Make it rain, prompt! "You're at your favorite department store buying a birthday present for a friend. As the cashier gives you change, you notice a message with specific instructions scribbled on one of the bills. What do the instructions say? Do you carry them out and, if so, how?"
I stood at the till, watching as the cashier scanned my item. It was a simple bracelet, the one on discount, that I had picked up. It was my friend Victoria's birthday today - and I'd completely forgotten. I panicked for the first hour, racing around the house in an attempt to find something suitable, and eventually calmed down enough to drive over to my favourite department store and pick something that seemed suitable.
"Your change is 5.60," the cashier said, passing over a five dollar bill and coins.506Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNDyZ1aH3a
"Thanks," I said, moving over to the side and opening my wallet to dispense my change. As I was about to put the bill away, I noticed there was some writing on it. Curious, I examined it.
You think this is good enough? Go back in and check aisle three on the left side. You'll find something much better.
I blinked. What authority did this dollar bill have over me? But I glanced at the bracelet I had again and sighed. It was pretty crappy. I went back into the aisles, scanning the signs until I found my lucky number three. I looked to the left side, walking and trying to see what the bill meant. I was nearing the end of the aisle without much luck - it was all containers! Just as I was about to give up, I noticed a small section that stuck out to me.
"Charm bracelets?" I said aloud. This was better than just a regular bracelet? Weren't they the same? Upon reading the little info section, I discovered it was more than that. Charm bracelets were used to convey more than just the gift itself. They were used to display love for family, friends, intimacy, and some even had hobbies and passions. Maybe this wasn't so stupid after all.
After much debate, I decided to get the one that symbolized love for friendship, as well as a charm that displayed a treble clef surrounded by music notes and a staff. Victoria loved music.
The cashier seemed surprised to see me again, but decided not to question it and scanned my items. After I paid and left, I went to the coffeeshop that Victoria and I promised to meet at for lunch.
"Celine! I'm so happy to see you!" Her radiant voice rushed over me, and I felt arms wrap around my back.
"Victoria...likewise." I hugged her back, savouring the moment. We broke apart, and she instantly started a conversation as we went to sit down in a booth.
"It's been way too long," she went on. "so you have to tell me everything that's happened." I laughed.
"Before we do any of that, I have something for you." She gave me a look that was a mixture of disdain and flattery.
"You know I get awkward about presents," she said.
"Vic, it's your birthday. You deserve at least something! So...I got you this." I pulled out the charm bracelet. Her eyes lit up.
"Oh my God!" she exclaimed. "It's gorgeous! Oh, Celine, I love it."
"Really?" I smiled.
"Yes, really. I'm gonna put it on right now. Wow, the treble clef is beautiful..."
"I remembered you like music," I shrugged.
"Well, thank you. It's very nice." I beamed at her. The rest of our time together was well-spent in sipping at our coffees and chatting about the hottest people we'd seen that week. I couldn't help but think what would've happened had I not read that dollar bill. I thanked whoever thought of helping me out like this, and enjoyed my time with Victoria.
If this story feels rushed, well, that's because it is. I had an hour or so in between getting ready for work and stuff to do this so it's not quite as deep as I'd like it to be, but it's still something. Looks like we're in the final stretch of this challenge, too. Four more days to go! It hardly feels like it's been that long.
But hey. I'll see you guys tomorrow.
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