Contagious 

Submitted into Contest #280 in response to: Start or end your story with a character asking a question.... view prompt

2 comments

Fantasy Speculative Drama

My name is Chadwick. And I have a question for you?  Is it possible that a single act of kindness can be contagious. I’m here in my office on the 9th floor. Looking down on the hustle and bustle of the street below. when an old movie I had watched a few months ago popped in my head. 

 The movie was called “invasion USA” made in 1956, I think. It was one of those “what if” type scenarios. Even though it was about the war effort.  I was thinking how that scenario could play out in everyday life. So, in My head. I ran one possible way it would go.  

My story will start with Mr. Cooper was a businessman with high ambitions. On this particular day he had a very important meeting to attend. It would mean a promotion and a raise. It was drizzling rain and Mr. Cooper was rushing though the busy streets to get to his meeting on time. He was standing at the crosswalk waiting impatiently for the signal to change so he could cross. The signal changed and a mob of people rushed though the cross walk knocking down a pregnant woman and the young child she was carrying in her arms. 

 Everyone was just walking around her. And seemed annoyed with her for being in their way. Even Mr. Cooper walked past. After all he had that important meeting to attend.  But then he stopped dead in his tracks turn his head and looked at her laying in the street. 

 And thought what if she was his wife or sister. Mr. Cooper walked back to her and helped her up, picked up the small child and carry her across the street. The lady thanked him. And Mr. Cooper Went on his way.  

When Mr. Cooper got to the office he had missed the meeting. His boss Mr. Harper called him into his office. Mr. cooper tried to explain to his boss the events that led up to him being late. But Mr. Harper didn’t want to hear it! He told cooper not to expect the promotion and to leave his office. as Mr. Cooper was leaving, he stops and looked him in the eye and said it was worth it!. Then left. Mr. Harper just stood there in disbelieve.  

After work Mr. Harper needed to stop at the market to pick up a few things. He was driving though the parking lot trying to find a parking spot.  

When this elderly lady struggling with her cart was blocking his spot. As he watched her struggling, he was starting to get annoyed. That's when he saw his grandmothers face. He stopped the car right in the middle of the lane, and got out to help get her to the car. And he put her groceries in the trunk. 

Meanwhile his car was blocking the lane. There was a young couple in the car behind him. Getting more agitated by the minute. The man kept leaning his head out the window   and was shouting for him leave her be and move his car. They had a dinner reservation at a very fancy restaurant. And they were going to be late. Mr. Harper ignored their remarks. When he was done helping her, he started over to their car. To the couple’s surprise, Mr. Harper was a big man. And they started to get a little nervous. He just leans over and all he said was, what if that was your grandmother. Then walked back to his car and left. The young couple still in a little shock just sat there for a short time then exited the lot. Glad to be on their way to the restaurant. While harper was driving home, he thought about Mr. Cooper, and what had transpired that mourning.  When he comes into the office in the morning, he was going to make it right with him. 

The young couple arrived at the restaurant; they were running a little late. As they were entering the restaurant. The young couple push passed an older couple entering. they made their way to the Maitre d’. Telling him that they had a reservation in the name of Quinn. He looked down at the list, then with a smirk on his face, said that they were late and he had given their table away. As their started to complain.  

The older couple stepped up and said they had a reservation. As he was looking up their name. The older gentleman was telling him he didn’t have a lot of money, but it was their 56th wedding  anniversary. And he wanted to treat his wife to a nice meal. The Maitre d” just rolled his eyes and showed them to their table.  

The young couple sat down on the bench and waited for next available table. Thay could see the older couple from where they were sitting, as they were watching them. The young couple wondered if they love would last that long. As they talked, she brought up the encounter they had earlier in the parking lot. Thats when he got an idea. The young man got up and walked over to the waitress and asked her to tell the cook to fix the older couple a really nice meal. And to give him the bill he would take care of it. 

The Maitre d’ stood there looking at the young couple. Trying to figure out why they did that, especially after the way he had treated them. The more he stood there looking at them the more he under stood. He called over a worker to fill in for him for a little while, he had something to take care of.  

He left the restaurant and headed Down the street to a small bakery shop not too far from the restaurant. He asked the owner for a cake and if they could put happy 56th anniversary on it for him. He added that he was in a hurry and that he would pay extra for the inconvenience. After a short time, the owner said the cake was ready, he paid and thanked them. He took the cake and hurry back to the restaurant. When he entered, he looked for the waitress. He spotted her in the corner. He rushed over to her, handed her the cake and ask if she would take it to the elderly couple's table. 

She could not believe what just happen, this was the most obnoxious, rude man she had ever met. 

Well to answer my own question could an act of kindness be contagious. “YES”. But it must start with that one person.” Will you be that person”? 

December 11, 2024 22:17

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2 comments

Julie Grenness
01:25 Dec 20, 2024

Great story, wonderful and inspiring theme. The writer has expressed the message of sharing supportive approaches in an evocative and apt response to the prompt. The characters are portrayed in suitable word pictures in effective and credible settings. Worked well for this reader.

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Steven Sommer
02:12 Dec 20, 2024

Thanks, I still have a lot to lean. I just started doing this a few months ago.

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