Ever wished for reads that lasted just right for your little breaks?
Here's a collection of 50 stories written to bring a smile on your face or maybe even more...
Enjoy!
"Embrace the beautiful mess that you are." - Elizabeth Gilbert
I adjust my suit as I gaze nervously at the little stage set up in one corner of the hall.
My foot was continuously tapping itself on the wooden flooring and making a low sound. I got a few glares from other guests who were sitting near to me.
Despite the daggers my daughter's eyes were throwing at me and the failed attempts of my son to smile apologetically at the upset guests, I couldn't help it.
It seemed as though my foot was just as nervous as I was, if not more.
"May you always live happily and in health!" The kind lady got down the stage as clapping erupted in the elegant hall.
The announcer beamed and did a little bow. "Those were some fantastic and heart-felt wishes Madame! Now, I would like to call the bride's uncle, Mr. Samuel Frowsky to honor us with his kind words."
I felt a lump in my throat and gulped hard. My wife, Charlotte, gave me a knowing smile and squeezed my hand reassuringly.
I slowly got up and clutched at my coat tightly, perhaps hoping it would make me disappear that very instant.
I clutched the paper firmly in my hand and made my way up the stage, staring intently at my feet. "Please don't fall." I told myself.
As I took my position in front of the mic, my heart was throbbing so hard, it hurt.
All the ladies in beautiful gowns and men in crisp suits were looking at me and I felt my hands growing more clammy by the second and the paper was beginning to drench.
"G-good da_" I began and to my utter horror, the mic did its signature screech. The entire room flinched and I bit my lips hard.
This had to happen. Just amazing.
"I_I am" The room grew silent once more and the only sound came from the footsteps of waitresses as they served juice.
I took a deep breath.
"G-good day to everyone." I said in a shaky voice. "Today, I am here to honor and present my well wishes for the bride and groom."
My niece, Lisa, looked at me expectantly and we made eye contact. And then, as if on cue, my mind went blank.
I was so engrossed in looking at my daughter-like niece tearing up that all the data that was mugged up in my brain began to melt and flush out in the form of pure sweat.
I quickly hid my hands from the audience, behind the lectern, and peeped into the crumbled sheet of paper. Much to my dread, in front of me was a thin sheet of paper, its ink all smudged due to my very sweat discharge.
I panicked and looked up with wide eyes.
"Mr, Frowsky?" The announcer asked and pointed at the crowd. "Any problem?"
I quickly shook my head but he looked unsure.
"I_ w-want t-to..." I stammered and a little girl giggled loudly in the crowd and I could see the guests trying to hide their smiles.
I blushed profusely and turned a bright beet- red color. I could see Charlotte biting her lip, trying to stop her from breaking a smile and my children? Well, they looked more embarrassed than me.
I looked at Charlotte and she mouthed, "Be natural!"
I nodded and took a deep breath as I gazed at my neatly- polished shoes, trying to calm myself down. Then, taking a big breath, I lifted my head and stared straight ahead at Lisa and the groom, John.
"You can do this." I told myself. "Just be natural."
But what is natural?
I quickly fished in my back pocket and pulled out my phone.
Speeches to give at.....
I typed rapidly and clicked on the first speech that came.
"Life is too short to have all that we desire." I began.....
And I don't know what I said but at the end of the speech, everyone was howling with laughter.
I smiled in relief and felt the weight being lifted off my shoulders.
As we were heading home, everyone was talking about the speech.
"You really don't know what you said, Dad?" My son asked and pulled out his phone. "See this."
He played a video and I paled as I saw what had happened.
"My deepest condolences to the family on this sad occasion where my dear niece has to leave us all and go far, far away. Unaided, in this cruel world and hereafter. So very frightening."
"What!" I exclaimed and pulled at my hair.
My son paused the video and laughed. "You said a lot of things like that!"
My daughter giggled as well. "Yeah! Nice strategy though! You rocked it in the end."
They forwarded it to the ending and I stood there in the flesh and addressed my dear niece. "So, after all that, let me just conclude by saying, always stay happy and in peace. Thank you!"
My family chattered and walked ahead as I quickly pulled out my phone. I scrolled through the searches and burst out laughing.
It said :
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