Prompt: A Fortune Cookie Comes True

Words: numerology, hilarious, dictionary, recycled, brick, ocean, meaningful, garbage, star, origin

Story

“You can’t take these things seriously.” Billy gave me a meaningful look before pitching his fortune cookie in the garbage.

“Oh, come on! They’re hilarious possibilities printed on recycled paper. They’re fun!” I knew I was spitting into the ocean on this one. But really? What was the harm?

“Next thing you’ll tell me is that you believe in numerology or star charts or something.”

I tucked my fortune in my pocket and took a deep breath. “First off, don’t be ridiculous. Star charts are only good for navigation, not fortune telling. And you don’t have to sound so condescending. It’s not pretty.”

That was the origin of the colossal fight between us. Billy stomped off in a huff. I slammed the door to my studio apartment and buried myself in books. I had Finals soon, and a thesis – and a three-day weekend.

Something seemed off, subdued, when I returned to campus. I noticed furtive looks leading to whispers. Conversations stopped when I approached.

“What? What is it?” I demanded.

Billy was in intensive care. He’d been hit in the head by a falling brick the same night we fought. Prognosis didn’t bode well. A shiver ran down my spine. I tugged the slip of paper out of the dictionary I carried.

New ideas clash with a hard head. Ignore them at your peril. And I realized this had been Billy’s. he threw mine away.
Word Count: 235

Written: 12/22/17