A Day in the Life of Smith

It was never going to be an ordinary day. Smith, aged 75, 5’ 7” tall, had seen enough of life to predict that his broken spectacles by the bedside this morning were an indication of something extraordinary. Something that would change his life…forever.

 

All he could think about was his pair of spectacles - ones he hadn’t changed in years. The thick, brown, discoloured, ugly frame had become an ingredient of his physical make-up. Not that he had wished to keep it on forever, but torn trousers, tight pockets and withered hands discouraged him from getting rid of this antique.

 

He clearly remembered the day he had got them; it was Joanna’s 42^nd birthday. Lovingly, but with a twitch of guilt, he asked her “What would you like, honey?” She thought for a while and asked him to accompany her to the market. He reluctantly agreed and thus set off two companions to the market, both walking side-by-side, in body but not in mind.

 

Swiftly she entered ‘Grace Opticals’ and started glancing through a variety of designs and patterns. Sunglasses were new in vogue. Maybe that’s what she wanted, he assumed. They were just too many to choose from. Smith had never entered such a well-decorated store in his life. Timidly he looked around; almost feeling like somebody would question his presence in such a ‘graceful’ place and ask him to leave immediately. His tattered clothes were a dead giveaway of the thoughts playing in his head. Agonized by the constant thoughts of humiliation, he didn’t even bother to see what Joanna had chosen.

 

In a hurry to leave, he immediately made the payment – a total of Rs 45 – his savings collected over a period of 7 months. He had been saving money for her birthday present since the day of their anniversary, the fact that he was unable to give her anything on that special day pained him. On the way back home, neither said a word. His thoughts alienated him from the world: Joanna’s world. She was beaming with joy all through the journey. Once home she excitedly unwrapped the box and out came a pair of shiny, brown, beautifully designed spectacles. She told him, “You will wear these. I cannot imagine the day when you won’t see me clearly and visualize the love I have for you in my eyes. Nothing can be a greater gift for me than this. “

He could see tears of joy swimming in her eyes as she uttered these words. Feelings of disgust and devotion empowered his heart at the same time. He clearly remembered the day he had got them. She was standing by the bedside; in a red flowery dress, patched at three places, yes exactly three, he remembered it even today. That night she died. Cause of death: A weak heart.

 

His life changed forever. It was never going to be the same again. He hated the spectacles. Joanna’s absence filled his heart with bitter resentment; a fury that would never leave him in peace. However, he could never part with the brown piece of metal.

 

This morning, as he took a shower, he relived his life, all its memories - Joanna, ‘Grace Opticals’, the red flowery dress along with the 3 patches. Suddenly all feelings of despair vanished. He cried in ecstasy and laughed with joy. The neighbours called him crazy but he couldn’t care less. He went about town meeting everyone, greeting strangers, dancing in the streets. He was at an all time high.

 

Smith returned home that night with his face wreathed in smiles. He lovingly took a last look at his broken spectacles before retiring for the day in his bed.

That night Smith died in his sleep. Cause of death: An overworked heart.