{"id":231,"date":"2010-08-23T21:46:21","date_gmt":"2010-08-24T01:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thefourpartland.com\/blog\/?p=231"},"modified":"2010-08-23T21:46:21","modified_gmt":"2010-08-24T01:46:21","slug":"writers-carnival-lifes-surprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/thefourpartland.com\/blog\/?p=231","title":{"rendered":"Writer's Carnival: Life's Surprise"},"content":{"rendered":"

The third of my three entries into the Writer’s Carnival<\/a>. This one was inspired by a comment from RCMurphy<\/a> about life’s surprises.<\/em><\/p>\n

\tLife 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.<\/p>\n

\tI 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.<\/p>\n

\tI’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).<\/p>\n

\tMy 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.<\/p>\n

\tI’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.<\/p>\n

\tI 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.<\/p>\n

\t‘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?’<\/p>\n

\tShe 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.<\/p>\n

Guidelines<\/strong><\/p>\n