A Lucky Chance

Written for https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2024/01/27/story-starter-saturday-mix-27-january-2024/

‘Damn it!’ she thought as the heel of her shoe snapped right off. That was all she needed.

Her horrible luck started from the moment she stepped out of bed and her puppy had decided not to wait to go outside. The washing machine chose to leak all over the kitchen floor, and it took ages to find a suitable pair of trousers.

She was already late, and the way it was going, she would miss the bus. She hauled her mobile out of her handbag, and made another call. ‘Would it be possible for me to have a day off?’

‘No, just get in.’

Huffing, she grabbed some chewing gum out of her bag and stuck it back on. Her boss was never very gracious at the best of times. With enough cash in the bank, if something went wrong, he could afford to replace it. Without this job, she would lose her flat.

The high street was with people rushing from one decision to the next. A sign caught her attention. The human touch, it called out her name. ‘Assistant wanted, must have a love of reading, Fifteen pounds per hour.’

The money was fair, and it was better than working in an office, enclosed by photocopiers thudding across the workstations.

She pushed open the door, and the bell rang true. A young woman, no older than her daughter smiled. There was a spot, where a library of children’s stories were being read. A steady stream of customers, and she looked rushed.

‘I’m enquiring about the position.’