(K is for kleptomaniac, kaleidoscope, kindred, knucklehead, kite, and kitten)

“I’m going to read a list of words, one by one, and after each one, I want you to respond with the first word that comes to mind. If I said, ‘kitten,’ for instance, you might say, ‘cute.’”
Zoe Walker nodded, but she was baffled. Her job interview had gone well. Peter Klarke, the founder of Klarke & Co., had told her he was impressed with the list of clients she’d snagged running her own PR business. She was confident that he would hire her – she was a good fit for the prestigious marketing firm, and she really wanted the position. She wanted the chance to play in the big leagues, to have a posh private office and a hefty expense account. But now she was sitting in HR, where, she was told, she had to pass a personality test before she could complete the job application process. Kind of kooky, she thought, but if it sealed the position for her...
“Kaleidoscope.”
Zoe didn’t hesitate. “Colors, prisms, swirls, beauty.”
Mr. James, the HR associate, frowned. “Only one word, Ms. Walker. Just the first one that pops into your head.”
“Sorry.” This was weird. Why should it matter how many words she came up with? She was in marketing, and brainstorming ideas was second-nature. Zoe tried a disarming smile, but Mr. James was studying her file folder.
“Kindred.”
“Family.”
“Knucklehead.”
“Why do these all start with K?” Zoe glanced over her shoulder, sure that Peter Klarke would pop in the door to tell her this was all a joke.
“Ms. Walker, shall we stop the test? Perhaps Mr. Klarke was too hasty in sending you to HR--”
“No, no. Please continue.” She kept her tone neutral, but inwardly defiant, she stared at the name plate on his desk. “James,” she said.
“Beg your pardon?”
“James – that’s my answer. James is the first thing that popped into my mind.”
“For ... knucklehead?” He seemed puzzled, then her answer registered and his eyes narrowed. He made several notes in Zoe’s folder. “Kite,” he said softly, distinctly.
“Tree.”
“Kitten.”
“Sneeze.”
“Kleptomaniac.”
Zoe laughed. “I’ve changed my mind about the job.” She picked up her portfolio. Her home office beckoned, even if it was tiny and she had to juggle being boss, secretary and sales staff. “I don’t think I’m crazy enough for you.”