The third of my three entries into the Writer’s Carnival. This one was inspired by a comment from RCMurphy about life’s surprises.
Life had been fairly hard on me lately. My company had gone bankrupt, I was out of a job, and I was wondering what to do. Sitting in coffee shops firing off pleading emails to any job opening that looked remotely suitable was not working, and my funds dwindled. Sad story, I know. Just like half the people in this damn country.
I wanted a surprise. A good one. Not the kind it usually threw at me. I didn’t want my aunt to die, or my car to break down, or a water main to flood my apartment. Although I suppose that last one would have a twisted humour to it. No, what I was looking for was a miracle.
I’d had small surprises that put a smile on my face: the shy glance of a serving girl, catching up with an old friend, an email that made me laugh. They were nice, but I was looking for more. And I was prepared. I had a rabbit’s foot, four leaf clovers, an Irish hat, and Lucky Charms (the cereal, that is).
My phone chirped with an email. I read the first few lines. Guess the rabbit’s foot wasn’t working. Another job application to throw in the trash, another X to make on the board at home. Sighing, I picked up my coffee, slugged it back, and walked out.
I’d made it across the street when I realized I’d forgotten my laptop. Bugger. I looked at the Lucky Charms in disgust and dumped them in the trash. They didn’t taste good anyway. Back I went, grabbed the PC, and stepped onto the avenue again. There was a thump, and a bit of a noise.
I came to with my laptop dropped on the ground next to me, with the case cracked. Really? This was what happened when I brought good luck trinkets with me? I tossed the rest of them to the ground and sat up. My head rung a little bit, but whatever.
‘Need a hand?’ I looked up at a beautiful girl, clothed in white. I grinned like a fool. Throw away the charms and this is what happens? I’ll be tossing them whenever I get the chance! Gladly taking her proffered hand, I stood up and grabbed my laptop. ‘So… what are you up to?’
She smiled. ‘Taking care of you.’ My heart leapt, and I slipped my hand between hers, and we walked into the light together. Some surprises are good.
Guidelines
- Maximum word count of 1,000
- Any type of flash is acceptable
- Up to three entries allowed
- Post your entries on your own blog, titled like this: Writer’s Carnival: Flash Title
- Add your stories to the collector
- Once the blog carnival post is up, please link to it from your blog
- Place these guidelines at the end of your entry posts
Comments
Leave a Reply
David G Shrock on 08.26.2010
Always lucky to meet an angel. A tender slice with a nice pace. A straight shooter.
The Four Part Land on 08.27.2010
This was the second attempt at the story. The first I still have, but couldn’t quite make it work the way I wanted to.
This was my second attempt, and like many things that I write, had to involve someone dying or being hurt. Not sure why that makes stories easier for me, but it does.
mazzz_in_Leeds on 08.27.2010
Death as a happy ending – I like it!
I’m not a believer, but angels are a very cool concept
The Four Part Land on 08.27.2010
Well, there’s also him getting to spend rather a lot of time with a very cute angel. It just took him a while to find the perfect girl for him, is all.
Scath on 08.27.2010
Oh, I’m glad getting hit didn’t hurt him! And he found an angel…good luck indeed. =)
The Four Part Land on 08.28.2010
Well… he *is* dead. I would think that hurt a little.
But, he does have a rather long time to spend with the angel. It’s for eternity, after all.
Eric J. Krause on 08.28.2010
Funny how good luck can come from the ultimate bit of bad luck. But, hey, if he gets to hang out with a hot angel for eternity, that’s pretty good luck. Good story!
The Four Part Land on 08.28.2010
Thanks. Was glad I got to write it. The story means a fair amount to me at the moment, for reasons too boring to post about.
Aidan Fritz on 08.29.2010
I didn’t catch the death initially, but it should be obvious I suppose if the case is cracked. I’ve never bided by lucky charms and been more of a “grab your luck” person. I’m glad to see he knew enough to grab his luck (her hand) when the chance came up. Nice writing.