For a Reason
It was an odd, rainy day, but the kind that, behind every cloud, the sun was waiting. He easily could burn through each cloud and save mankind the drudgery of that particularly rainy day, but he never does. He never does, because it's not the way it's supposed to be, and, for the sun, that suffices.
On that particular day, I got a knock at my door. I wasn't expecting a package, and I hadn't ordered any take-out, so I was perplexed as to who this visitor might be. To my surprise, it was Chance. I can't quite remember what Chance was wearing, but I do remember Chance was a woman. Only a woman could be so generous for no reason.
I invited Chance in, and she graciously took the offer. She sat down and requested a glass of water. I thought for a second about the hassle of walking all the way to the kitchen and back only to dirty a good glass, but I acquiesced. When I returned with the water, she told me of her plan. For seemingly no reason at all, Chance was mine for one day. I had the opportunity to do anything.
In my infinite wisdom, I chose re-creation. Not 'recreation' - like handball or boogey boarding. No, my decision was to re-create the world around me. And why not? Chance doesn't knock on your door every day.
I began with my town. It was a budding metropolis, but it wasn't blooming yet. And, for my sake, I needed it to bloom now. I had dreams of being an artist, and in a small city, it's a tough gig. So, I made my town bigger. All of my family and friends remained where they were as skyscrapers grew out of nothing. Yellow taxis began to race around the streets, and the hills became tunnels. As I gazed out my window to see, I noticed a pretzel vendor outside my window, and pigeons began to congregate on my roof. I flipped through the phone book to notice the googol of new office and apartment complexes.
For my next trick, I decided I needed a companion. I always wanted a pet, but could never decide on my favorite breed. I was never comfortable enough in my masculinity to buy a toy poodle, though they do have the best temperament. I also was fond of the large breeds, with their mammoth paws and lion-like stature, but their drooling always led me to look elsewhere. However, with Chance at my command, I created my own dog. He was a large dog, similar to a St. Bernard in size, but his coat was golden. His drooling glands weren't removed, but were accompanied by an internal sponge. He had the fun and playful personality of a smaller dog, but knew how and when to bark like Cujo.
After I created my partner-in-crime, I decided to redecorate. My small house grew into a château, and all of my house appliances became state-of-the-art. I strolled about my new abode, changing and updating things as I went. When I came across a series of family photos, I decided my mom deserved something as nice as this, as well. Minutes later, she called and told me what a wonderful son I was. After that, my girlfriend, grandparents, cousins, neighbors, old high school buddies, and several Hollywood locals gave me a call, just to tell me what a great friend I was.
The rest of the day went as follows:
My girlfriend called me to tell me she found the ring, the teddy bear, and the three-piece orchestra. She said yes.
People Magazine named me Sexiest Man of the Year.
I was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for creating the world's largest supply of apple pie.
I received calls from several news stations, numerous reporters, and a writer wishing to write my biography. I sent all of them to my agent.
When the day was almost done, Chance and I watched the world from my terrace. The sun was setting, covering the world in the most wonderful shade of orange-blue, which I had just finished creating. As the world unfolded beneath me, I noticed the streets were empty. The normal hustle and bustle of the living world appeared to cease, and I questioned Chance. She told me that, since the people of the world were no longer hungry, lived lavishly, and enjoyed the world around them, they now did nothing, except call me to make their particular lot in world greater than their neighbor's. With a great sigh, I learned that the world was in crisis out of avarice. Without struggle, they attained everything they ever wanted. And, like a mouse who gets a piece of cheese for no reason, the people of the world will remain doing exactly what it was that got them my great gifts, which is nothing.
As I waved goodbye to my new pet, the world faded back into its everyday misery. The metropolis faded, my awards melted, and the status quo was regained.
Oh well.
On that particular day, I got a knock at my door. I wasn't expecting a package, and I hadn't ordered any take-out, so I was perplexed as to who this visitor might be. To my surprise, it was Chance. I can't quite remember what Chance was wearing, but I do remember Chance was a woman. Only a woman could be so generous for no reason.
I invited Chance in, and she graciously took the offer. She sat down and requested a glass of water. I thought for a second about the hassle of walking all the way to the kitchen and back only to dirty a good glass, but I acquiesced. When I returned with the water, she told me of her plan. For seemingly no reason at all, Chance was mine for one day. I had the opportunity to do anything.
In my infinite wisdom, I chose re-creation. Not 'recreation' - like handball or boogey boarding. No, my decision was to re-create the world around me. And why not? Chance doesn't knock on your door every day.
I began with my town. It was a budding metropolis, but it wasn't blooming yet. And, for my sake, I needed it to bloom now. I had dreams of being an artist, and in a small city, it's a tough gig. So, I made my town bigger. All of my family and friends remained where they were as skyscrapers grew out of nothing. Yellow taxis began to race around the streets, and the hills became tunnels. As I gazed out my window to see, I noticed a pretzel vendor outside my window, and pigeons began to congregate on my roof. I flipped through the phone book to notice the googol of new office and apartment complexes.
For my next trick, I decided I needed a companion. I always wanted a pet, but could never decide on my favorite breed. I was never comfortable enough in my masculinity to buy a toy poodle, though they do have the best temperament. I also was fond of the large breeds, with their mammoth paws and lion-like stature, but their drooling always led me to look elsewhere. However, with Chance at my command, I created my own dog. He was a large dog, similar to a St. Bernard in size, but his coat was golden. His drooling glands weren't removed, but were accompanied by an internal sponge. He had the fun and playful personality of a smaller dog, but knew how and when to bark like Cujo.
After I created my partner-in-crime, I decided to redecorate. My small house grew into a château, and all of my house appliances became state-of-the-art. I strolled about my new abode, changing and updating things as I went. When I came across a series of family photos, I decided my mom deserved something as nice as this, as well. Minutes later, she called and told me what a wonderful son I was. After that, my girlfriend, grandparents, cousins, neighbors, old high school buddies, and several Hollywood locals gave me a call, just to tell me what a great friend I was.
The rest of the day went as follows:
My girlfriend called me to tell me she found the ring, the teddy bear, and the three-piece orchestra. She said yes.
People Magazine named me Sexiest Man of the Year.
I was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for creating the world's largest supply of apple pie.
I received calls from several news stations, numerous reporters, and a writer wishing to write my biography. I sent all of them to my agent.
When the day was almost done, Chance and I watched the world from my terrace. The sun was setting, covering the world in the most wonderful shade of orange-blue, which I had just finished creating. As the world unfolded beneath me, I noticed the streets were empty. The normal hustle and bustle of the living world appeared to cease, and I questioned Chance. She told me that, since the people of the world were no longer hungry, lived lavishly, and enjoyed the world around them, they now did nothing, except call me to make their particular lot in world greater than their neighbor's. With a great sigh, I learned that the world was in crisis out of avarice. Without struggle, they attained everything they ever wanted. And, like a mouse who gets a piece of cheese for no reason, the people of the world will remain doing exactly what it was that got them my great gifts, which is nothing.
As I waved goodbye to my new pet, the world faded back into its everyday misery. The metropolis faded, my awards melted, and the status quo was regained.
Oh well.