Regina was baffled—it was her first time reporting for the social news team, and it was nothing like interviewing the glittering stars she was used to. The stories here were gritty, rooted in the everyday struggles of common folk, sometimes heartbreakingly so. But this was where her heart lay; engaging with real people, real stories.
She was convinced that if this man's family had been wrongfully evicted by a ruthless developer, she would fight tooth and nail to get their story out there.
While her more experienced colleagues were off canvassing the area, Regina crouched down in front of the man, notepad and pen at the ready.
"Hi, I'm Regina, a rookie reporter. I'd like to hear about what's happened to you. Would you be open to an interview?" she asked gently.
The man glanced at her, and it was only then that Regina noticed tears streaking through the grime on his face, carving clear paths down his cheeks.
"You," he spat, his voice laced with disdain as he expectorated onto the ground before him, making Regina recoil in shock. "Scram! You reporters are no better than those heartless developers. Get outta my sight!"
He was unyielding, his harsh words sending Regina stumbling back, speechless. His tears had left her utterly at a loss for words.
She knew that if he continued with this uncooperative stance, his story would just be a fleeting blip in the never-ending stream of internet noise.
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