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.
[Reply]
The Four Part Land Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 8:31 am
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.
[Reply]
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
[Reply]
The Four Part Land Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 8:35 am
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.
[Reply]
Scath on 08.27.2010
Oh, I’m glad getting hit didn’t hurt him! And he found an angel…good luck indeed. =)
[Reply]
The Four Part Land Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 7:00 am
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.
[Reply]
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!
[Reply]
The Four Part Land Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 7:04 am
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.
[Reply]
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.
[Reply]