Milk

Getting ready for work in the morning Neal opens the fridge to pour some milk over his cereal. Grabbing the container he moves to the table but when he opens it, a strange sour smell wafts out.

“Really,” he blurts out and pours the milk down the sink. Looking at the expiration date on the top he lets out a sigh, “by two days.” Dumping the dry cereal back in the box he roots around the cabinets a bit until he finds a box of pop tarts. “Breakfast of champions,” he utters out as he closes the cabinet and grabs his things. Sitting behind the wheel he goes to work as he munches on those pop tarts.

Brushing the crumbs off he made his way to his cubicle. Using the headset he directed calls and helped all he could. Got a few ‘thank yous’ and a few impolite words. He kept writing one word over and over on a post it, milk. He had a good memory but it was just short lived. Knowing that for breakfast tomorrow he’d have to stop off at the store close to his place.

Taking another call he listened and knew just what to do, transfer them to his manager. After forwarding the caller on he took off his headset and went on a break. He was thinking he could get the milk now but then he’d have to drive it all the way back home. Well assuming he’d remember taking it with him from the fridge in the break room. He knew himself well enough to know when it is time to clock out he bolts for the door. So getting it before the end of work was a bad idea.

Getting back to his spot he takes more calls and daydreams about not being at work. With every caller he listens the best he can and explains but sometimes the caller is difficult and has a short temper. Some can’t see his point of view and assume he’s an idiot. This makes Neil more than happy to transfer them down the line. He gets to type up a little summary so the next person has an idea of who they are dealing with. That one word on the post it gets circled and more doodles that surround it by the end of the day.

The clock ticks to that magical time and Neil spends no time in leaving the desk and making a run for it. Swiping the badge he tucks it away and another day is over. Getting to his car he jams out to a few of his favorite hits before pulling into a parking space. Climbing out of the drivers seat he looks around, “can’t forget milk.” Walking into the store he picks up a hand basket and roams some aisles. Picking up some essentials, toilet paper, beef jerky, and beer he heads for the chilled section. Passing cut meats and wondering if he needs something new for lunch he decides to try a new protein pack. Skimming the packaged cheeses he decided he didn’t need any of that so he moved on.

Standing in front of some heavy glass doors his eyes check out the selection. All the rows of pretty bottles that sit there, waiting to be picked. After some careful consideration he opens the door and picks one out.

“Snickers creamer? No way this is a thing.”

“Oh yea, have you tried the butter cookie one yet?”

Neil looks over to see two beautiful brown eyes looking up at him.

“Wait, a cookie flavored one?”

“It has to be one of my favorites so far.”

“Have you tried this one?”

She shakes her head, “I haven’t. Can’t bring myself to buy a creamer that tastes like candy.”

“But other sweets are okay?” He says with a playful chuckle.

“True, I’m very picky,” she laughs back. “Hi, I’m Julie.”

“Neil,” they shake hands. “Thanks for helping me with some coffee creamer knowledge.”

“Anytime.”

She walks away and he checks her out for a couple seconds before it becomes creepy. He puts the creamer in his basket and starts to walk towards the check out. He stops then turns around, “before I forget.” He grabs a box of cereal and goes to the check out lane.

He pays and carries the bags to his car. Thinking of Julie he face palms, “I didn’t get her number.” Driving back to his place with a bit of regret he parks in his spot and carries the groceries inside. After putting things away in the kitchen he grabs a beer and goes to the living room. Tossing his jacket and kicking off his shoes he sits in his recliner and channel surfs.

He wakes up to a bright screen with the latest infomercial. Looking at his watch he sighs and gets up. “More comfortable in my bed anyway.” Turning the tv off he shuffles into the bedroom. Getting more comfy he sheds his pants and moves into the bathroom. Washing his face and brushing his teeth he moves back to the bedroom and under the covers. His usual tossing and turning during the night leads to his alarm going off. Groaning he rolls over and turns off the alarm. Opening his eyes he sits up and gets out of bed. Putting on some fresh clothes he makes his way to the kitchen. Getting a bowl out of the cupboard and placing it on the table he grabs the cereal box. Pouring a healthy amount he sets the box down and turns to the fridge.

Opening the fridge he reaches in where milk usually is but isn’t today. Confused he closes the door and replays a little of yesterday in his head. “I went to the store after work and…. Oh shit!” Remembering he didn’t actually pick up any milk he decides he has to stop at the store on his way home from work again and pick some up. 

THE END