Читать книгу Funny, but True - - Страница 5

It was a Friday morning in November of last year. I had the evening shift at work, which left me plenty of free time. I woke up leisurely around 9 a.m., brewed some coffee, and basked in the luxury of doing nothing. With a steaming cup and wearing my bathrobe, I settled in front of the TV and turned it on.

The cup of coffee nearly slipped from my hands. It was that Friday in November – Black Friday! How could I have forgotten?

The news was showing footage of the local Walmart from a helicopter. People were streaming out in groups, triumphantly hauling massive boxes of 60-inch TVs for half price. My heart raced. I lived with my wife in a 400-square-foot studio, but a 60-inch TV for half price. That was worth sacrificing our bed! I could always replace it with a convertible one.

I abandoned my coffee, skipped breakfast, and dashed to my car. I turned the key, and – of course – a red light flashed on the dashboard. The gas tank was nearly empty. I rushed to the nearest gas station and found a long line of cars standing at a single pump. The most of other gas station employees were at Walmart buying 60-inch TVs.

When it was finally my turn, I realized I’d left my wallet and credit cards at home. A wave of panic set in. The people in line behind me grew restless, and the attendant started glaring at me. I wished I could disappear. If my wife had been with me, I might have left her as a hostage. But I was alone and desperate.

That’s when inspiration struck. I turned to the attendant and offered to work the second pump as compensation for the gas.

“Vivat!” The crowd behind me cheered.

At that moment, my popularity soared. If I’d announced a run for the president, they probably would’ve elected me on the spot.

For the next half hour, I worked the pump like a pro. Everyone rushed off to Walmart for their discounted 60-inch TVs. Once my impromptu shift ended, I hurried home to grab my wallet.

When I arrived at Walmart at 6 p.m., the 60-inch TVs were long gone. So were the 50-inch TVs, the 40-inch TVs, and even the 30-inch TVs. The only thing left. A 20-inch TV is on sale for half price. I already had a 20-inch TV at home, but the allure of the deal was irresistible. I bought it anyway.

When I got home, I stored the new TV in the closet. From that spot, I could turn it on and watch it from the bathroom. I wouldn’t miss a single deal in the future. After all, Black Friday taught me anything, it’s that you can never be too prepared.