The Extra Mile - InkSpot.Com

About This Author

I am a 40 year old married mother of two teenage boys. I live for writing, especially romance. Love the happily ever after scenerio. The best thing about writing for me is the ability to lose yourself in your work, and feel as if you've accomplished something great. At the end of the day, that's all that really matters.

The Extra Mile

Getting into the mood for the holidays can be challenging, but I'd go the extra mile this year. I had a plan.

After watching videos on YouTube about gift wrapping, I was ready at the kitchen table with the boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon, tape, bow, and a knife. What could go wrong?

I set my cellphone up and picked the video to follow: the prettiest bright red wrapping paper etched with silver ornaments in different shapes and sizes—the thought of how amazing this gift would look sent excitement whizzing through me. I set the box on the paper, calculated the amount needed, made my folded edge, and grabbed the knife to cut. Wedging the knife into the fold, I slid the sharp edge across the paper, and to my horror, instead of the straight edge I was sure would come, the pretty paper ripped and tore in jagged and bizarre arches.

I suppose I should have sharpened the knife first, but it was too late now. I knew I had enough excess paper that I could fold it over to make a clean edge. I hit play on the video, following along by placing the box in the middle of the paper, folding a side up, then the opposite side, and taping it in place. All that I needed to do now was fold in the ends, and then I could decorate with the ribbon and box.

And that's when it happened. I reached for the tape dispenser, and that dull, useless knife came to life and sliced open my forefinger.

"Damn it," I shouted, blood dripping onto the paper. Grabbing a napkin, I wrapped it around my finger, scoping the mess I'd made.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with a gift bag," I told the wrapping paper.

WC: 298
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"

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