Short Story: The Roadster Smart Car

Here is a glimpse of a short story I wrote for my Craft of Plot class. Thought it would be fun to share and see what you all thought. I would like to rewrite this and maybe come up with a few more for an anthology…

The Roadster Smart Car

Driving around to all the local car dealerships, I’m saddened. All I wanted was a brand new car, one that had never been owned and driven by another! A bright orange copper Roadster Smart Car, is that too much to ask? Ready to head home from the last dealership in town my phone rings.

“Yeah, talk to me” I answer.

“Hello, is this Malikyi?”

“Yup, who is this? What can I do for you?”

“This is Dr Schetziki’s nurse, Rose. I am calling to let you know that those tests came back and it is bad.” I hear a bit of a gulp on the line.

“How bad exactly?” I ask, my eyes narrowing. So not what I want to deal with today.

“Well, umm, I am sorry to tell you, but… There’s no easy way to say this,” she trails off.

“Oh just say it, it can’t be that bad.” I gripe.

Her breath puffs through the phone, “I am afraid sir, it is. You have a brain tumor, and… to be perfectly honest we don’t know how you are still alive. You have twenty-four hours to live. You should consider getting your affairs in order. I’m dreadfully sorry”

Before I can respond, the line goes dead. I guess it really was that bad. What now? I have always been the type to live life to the fullest. No regrets, that is what my sister taught me. Come to think of it, she was right around my age when she died. Staring out the window I sit there a moment. I wish I could have gotten that car. Overall, I have no regrets, maybe I should see who is free tonight, have a fun dinner out with everyone.

Getting ready for the dinner, my doorbell rings. Opening, there is a strange looking little man standing there.

“Can I help you?” I ask rather dubiously.

“No. But I my friend can help you. I can make all your worries disappear, or grant your deepest wish for that new Roadster you wanted.” He said with a flair.
“All my worries disappear, what worries?”

“You horribly short life expectancy of course! Now, what would you like, your dream car for your remaining few hours, or to be tumor free? Leaving you free to live a long life.” His eyes watch me, a deepness to them leaving me a bit nervous.

“Wow, umm, honestly that is a tough call. Things happen for a reason. But living my life, I could get the car eventually so that seems a no brainer.” I respond.

“Ah, there is one catch. If you ever get your dream car, your tumor will be back and you will die,” he says gently.

“I knew there had to be something. Honestly, my life is in order. I don’t mind dying young. Give me the car.” I decide suddenly. Why not, I miss my sister, this life isn’t really all that great anyway. I am ready to be done.

“As you wish, here are the keys. It is parked out front. Enjoy the rest of your life.” He disappears in a cloud of smoke, smelling of jasmine.