My Short Short for the Day

“Ok, thanks for…for…”  Joe left the office unsure of what to do or where to go.  He just started walking.  He was zoned out and didn’t even pay attention to where he was going.  Eventually he arrived at his front door.

“Oh, hello Joe.  You’re home early today.  Is everything ok?”  Mrs. Meade was watering the flowers in her window garden.  She was in her 80s and reminded him of Rose from Golden Girls.

“Yeah, Mrs. Meade.  Just took a day off is all.”  He waved and forced a smile before going inside.

“What do I do now?”  Joe stood in his living room staring at the boxes of comics covering his floor.  He had been in the process of organizing them.  But now there was no point.  Maybe he should donate them to the library.  That would be nice, right?  He sat down on his couch but as soon as he did his mind started replaying the doctor visit over and over.  Only a week.  Sorry Joe.  Rare type of cancer.  Nothing we can do.  Joe quickly stood up and started pulling comics from the boxes.  He would sell the best ones to the local comic shop and donate the rest to the library.  He carefully packed the comics to sell in one box and then loaded all of his boxes into his car.  The library was grateful for the huge donation.  He smiled and nodded then drove to the comic shop. 

Al smiled and waved.  “Hey Joe.”

“Hey Al.  I’ve got some comics to sell.”  Joe set the box on the counter.

Al started looking through the comics and whistled.  “You’ve got some real nice ones here.  Why are you selling?”

“I just need the money.”  Joe said.

Al stared at Joe for several minutes.  “I think I have something you might like.”  He leaned over and pulled out a small box.  “It’s going to take a few days to get prices for these, in the meantime, take this.”

Joe took the box.  “What is it?”

Al smiled, just something to take your mind off your troubles.

Joe didn’t open the box until he got home.  Inside was an orb with sparkly glitter inside.  “What is this, a paper weight or something?”  He shook the orb and watched the glitter drift to the bottom.  His eyes felt heavy. 

“Hey Joe!  You alright?  

Joe jumped, startled by the loud voice.  He looked up and saw Mrs. Meade, about 40 years younger, holding out a hand to him.  “Where am I?”

“Home.”  Mrs. Meade said with a smile.