Author: FatFingerSyndrome
Prompt: Forcing Fate
Prompter: @itmefrankie
***
Most people think that I sink my manicured fingernails into everyone's life. While this does wonders for my (ever growing) ego, I need to set the record straight. I mean, let's be real. It's not like every single person in this world is actually worthy enough to have me in their lives – only the very fortunate select few.
-
July 16, 2015
Today is the perfect day.
The mighty sun rays are beating down everybody's necks. The lovely cool winds are missing in action. The angry rain clouds are lurking in the horizon. So as I said, it's totally the perfect day to dip these precious hands into someone's life.
My instincts brought me to this overcrowded shopping mall located south of the metro. In all honesty, I'd rather shave my head bald than be in a place with a lot of people. It's just not my thing, you know? However, as the overused cliché goes, there's always an exception to the rule. If my wonderful self needs to step out of the comfort zone to be able to reach out to these mere mortals – I mean, really, what is a few minutes of inconvenience?
While my intuition is guiding me to the place where I could set up shop, I try my hardest not to touch or collide with anyone. I sidestep here and there when people switch lanes; I stop abruptly whenever shoppers change their directions. I walk with quick strides whenever I have a free path ahead of me, but I'm left lagging and sighing behind dawdlers. Until, finally, I have reached the perfect corner. I wait with gleaming eyes and a sly smile, my pulse quickening in anticipation of what's to come.
Just a few more counts.
Three.
Two.
One.
Ah. There she is: harried and hurried, half walking, half jogging – oblivious to the fact that in a few minutes, she's going to be a part of the lucky ones.
A huge stack of papers, folders and envelopes are cradled in her arms; while a mobile phone and a cup of iced coffee in each hand. A heavy looking leather messenger bag is thrust upon one shoulder, and a scowl is temporarily tattooed on her face.
Her appearance, which caused my nose to wrinkle in distaste, almost made me forget about my perfect plan for this perfect day.
However, like always, the entire universe was on my side – because just before she went past me, I saw the most wonderful opening: a fair skinned young man walking towards her.
With a hint of a smile on my lips, I close my eyes.
"Uy! Sorry, miss."
I excitedly check on both of them, and see the harried young woman straighten up from having picked a fallen piece of paper. Meanwhile, the young man behind her was trying to get her attention.
Her scowl deepened as she tried to get a hold of her things and of her emotions that were threatening to surface.
"Miss, okay ka lang ba?" He asked to the back of her head – for she hadn't turned around to look at the guy who had accidentally bumped her.
"I'm okay. It's all good." She replied without even sparing him a backward glance.
The young woman was about to flee, but little old me can't have that.
