50 Bite-sized stories

III : A perfect day

"In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present." - Sir Francis Bacon

"Today is going to be perfect!" I told myself, though I knew I was uncertain.

My luck is the most horrifying one in the entire history of human civilization. Worse than the butterfly that got eaten right after seeing the world outside its cocoon.

But today might just be the one day things go right.... After all, it's my day that comes only once a year!

I took a deep breath and something suddenly caught my attention. There was a very distinct burning smell and my eyes widened. I rushed to the toaster and took the bread out, only to throw the hot slice of bread into the sink.

I took a peek and found that it was perfectly fine. I frowned. Where was the smell coming from?

And then, as if the most horrifying news was told, I paled and rushed to the room, finding the fine shining-white shirt turned black.

I pursed my lips and looked into the mirror. The shape of the iron was evident and there was no way I had time to iron another shirt. I sighed and put on my worn out jacket, which I sadly hadn't washed in days.

Next, I fished for the bottle of perfume but nothing came out. I furrowed my eyebrows and opened it up, to no avail. The bottle was empty!

I slowly bent my head to sniff a little and gagged. I was definitely going to need something to put away that rank smell of sweat. I quickly took my bag and rushed out. Ever so slowly, I scanned the area for my neighbor, Mr. G.

When I didn't spot him, I hurriedly plucked a few flowers from his garden and began to put them in my front pocket.

"What are you doing?!" Out came the grumpy neighbor I wished I wouldn't have to face.

Behind him was his bulldog, baring his teeth, saliva dripping down his mouth.

"Mr. G! How pleasant to meet you here! I- I was only taking a look at your flowers and what a coincidence! One came into my hand.." I chuckled nervously and he glared at me in a very dangerous way.

His dog looked like he was about to pounce on me any moment.

"Down, Hugo." He petted his ferocious dog and growled at me. "Get lost from here and don't ever touch my flowers again!" He spat on the floor and I gulped.

I immediately turned and marched away, happy to get rid of them. I looked around to find different people doing their daily jobs. The shopkeepers were arranging their goods and a few people were out for their morning jog. I smiled to myself. Maybe good days do have a bad start.

But just as I thought things were getting better, a large splash of water drenched me from top to bottom. It couldn't be the rain because the forecast clearly called for a 'sunny day'. I wiped my face and opened my eyes to look at the culprit. It was a scowling lady.

"Can't you watch where you're going?" She sneered and I controlled my anger.

"Sorry ma'am." I apologized and stomped away. Why did I always face such situations?

But the universe seemed too determined to ruin my day. As I was stomping away, I accidentally stepped on something soft. Something that screeched loudly and had sharp claws. I shouted and tried to pull the cat off my face, tumbling back onto a passing delivery boy, who just had to be there at that exact moment.

To say the least, we were covered in sauce and cheese and I faced the loss of an entire monthly savings.

I scowled. This day couldn't get worse. I was stinking, slimy, soaked and angry.

I walked into my office building to see my boss furious. "And here he comes! Mister, have you any idea how late you are?"

"I'm sorry sir, there were some unavoidable circumstances_" I was interrupted.

"That's enough of your negligence! You are late to work, and just look at how you turn up!" And he disgustingly eyed me from up to down.

And then he said the two words I dreaded the most.

"You're fired!"

And so, I walked on the road, all alone. Jobless, hungry, soaking, dirty and in despair.

I had given up on the idea that maybe this day could go fine.

I climbed the stairs to my porch and turned the key into the lock. As soon as I entered the door, there came a loud shout.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

And there stood my aunts and uncles, my cousins and other relatives all grinning from ear to ear. I was still dazed when they made me cut the cake.

And then, the beautiful cake came smashing onto my face.

There was silence for a few seconds and then I cracked a smile.

My little niece giggled and then everybody cackled with laughter.

I licked a little cream off the corner of my mouth and looked warmly at the people around me.

Maybe this day wasn't so bad after all.

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Hi there! This was the third part. I really felt bad for him at first. Did you too?

Anyways, I hope this made you smile. And yet again, enjoy reading!

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