At last, a new year. Usually, bad things happen on the first day. But on the second day? Well, you can expect slightly less bad things to happen.
And here we go again: drink the coffee, open the laptop, open the blank page, and then just stare at it. That blank page is supposed to give you some divine revelations so you can start writing your holy manuscript.
(Cell phone rings)
"Hello, Sara speaking."
"Hi, it's your friend Bentham."
"Oh, hi, Bentham."
"I have my own publishing house now. Somebody told me you're writing a novel, so please let me know if you want an editor or need to publish it."
"No thanks, Bentham."
Sara hung up, grabbed her laptop, and went into her wooden cabin.
"Hey you! Yes, you!"
(To the reader:) Who are probably thinking this novel is boring. Come, let's visit my comfy cabin. Here, you can see... wait, you probably cannot.
"Okay, so let me tell you: the cabin size is no more than one room.
"It has a chair, a table, and a fireplace. In case someone wanted to commit suicide, this would be the right place, thanks to the fireplace. My mother and grandmother both used this place, and now I'm going to use it. Let's pray to God it isn't cursed."
(Foreshadowing: A voice came from the fireplace.)
"Who?! Who is that? You better not come early, ha!"
She shook it off and sat down. "Now, let's continue writing my novel."
(System activated)
(Victim awake)
"Mam! Wake up! People are not allowed to sleep here," a voice said.
"What's that voice in my head?"
"Mam! Are you listening?"
"Yes, yes, officer. You're not allowed to sleep here. I heard you. I won't tell you again."
"Okay, officer."
Elaine's stomach gurgled.
"I haven't eaten dinner yet, and I don't have any money, all thanks to my careless husband. I wish... I wish that, due to some silly fights, couples wouldn't break apart anymore."
(System activated)
(Victim wish granted)
(Confirm: Yes or No)
"What's this? Are these voices coming from my mobile?"
"Do you want your wish granted? Yes or No."
"Yes."
(Select options:)
1. Become Angel of Marriage
2. Become Face-Swapping Wife
3. Become Face-Swapping Husband
4. Own a Magical Marriage Bureau
(Countdown: 9, 8, 7, 6...)
"Option 4 it is."
(Congratulations! You now own your own magical marriage bureau. Further details will be provided by clicking the pop-up ad.)
"$1 million has been transferred to your account."
"$1 million?!" Elaine shouted, falling into a pond in excitement.
A man ran over and pulled her out of the pond.
"Mr., I'm so sorry! I got your clothes wet."
"No worries, mam," he replied.
Elaine kept watching him as he walked away. He seemed like he was in his early twenties, with brownish, curly hair flowing over his blue cat glasses. He wore white pants and a pale t-shirt.
Her phone beeped again.
(Privileges unlocked! On forming a new couple, the owner earns $10,000. On reshaping an old couple, the owner earns $20,000. Additional privileges, events, and skills are locked for now. Wait for further updates.)
Elaine felt a new spark in her heart. For the first time, she thought money didn't matter.
"First, I have to buy a building for the bureau," she decided.
Elaine contacted many contractors, but none of them seemed to listen to her because of her current "ugly" look. Her stomach burped loudly.
"Oh no! I haven't eaten anything in all this excitement. It's going to be night soon, and no one seems to be listening to me. Anyway, I should get a chocolate cake first."
She entered a bakery and ordered the chocolate cake she'd wanted for a long time—for her birthday. But she had to wait because of a long line.
"Mam, we are closing now. Sorry for the inconvenience. We promise to make your order first thing tomorrow," said the cashier.
"What am I going to do? I don't have a place to live. I don't have any food, and that officer won't let me sleep on the bench again."
"I can help you!" said a soothing voice from behind.
"Mr... you from the park?" Elaine asked, surprised. "Thank you for asking, but I'll manage."
"You're standing right outside my apartment and denying help?"
"Okay, fine. I'll just spend the night."
"This is my small apartment. It has a bedroom, a kitchen, a washroom, and that's it. It's much better than living outside, I guess. Please, sit in the kitchen for a while. I'll get dinner ready."
The apartment was much warmer than Elaine's house.
"Mr., can I ask you something?"
"Yes?"
"Your apartment is so warm."
"Oh no, it's just the construction. It saved me money from buying a heater, but it's a nightmare during summer."
"Dinner's ready."
It was the same chocolate cake Elaine had ordered. She couldn't resist and began stuffing her chubby face.
"I'm sorry. I'm just so hungry."
"That's fine. Finish eating. We'll talk later."
Elaine finished the whole thing and went into the bedroom.
"Mam, you sleep on the bed."
"Are you going to sleep on the sofa?" Elaine asked, surprised.
"No, that's not right."
"Mam, you said you wanted to stay for just a night. Now go sleep in the bed. Good night."
Elaine fell asleep quickly, adjusting her blanket. Kevin gently caressed her hair and dimmed the lights.
"Ah, I'm done for now. That's it I finished new chapter.
Sara's POV
"What time is it? 7:00 p.m.? Wow! I spent my whole day in the cabin. At least I'm taking my work seriously."
Sara grabbed her things. "I'm also very hungry. Let's go to the coffee shop."
"One latte and two pancakes with chocolate chips and honey topping, please!"
"Mam, do you want to pack your order? There are no tables available."
"Okay, just pack it."
She took her order and decided to eat in the park.
As she walked, she rubbed her elbows. "I just love walking in the fresh air around greenery, but not in the winter. It's cold out here."
She spotted someone familia
"Mr. Editor? Sorry—Mr. Lagster? Why are you here?"
"Why can't I be here?"
"You wouldn't believe me, but I spent my whole day writing my novel. Isn't it amazing? I just finished a new chapter."
"Your whole day? And just one chapter? What time did you wake up?"
"Uh... oh no! I woke up at 3:00 p.m. So I only spent three hours working."
"Yes you are right, but I am still amazed "3 hours "" Lagster replied.
(Phone beep: Facebook notification: Happy Birthday!)
"It's your birthday?" Sara asked.
"Yes."
"Then why aren't you celebrating it?"
"I just don't like it."
"Why? Why are you such a boring person? Did anyone wish you?"
"Oh No."
"Anyway, many happy returns of the day, Lagster. Here, you can have half of my coffee and a quarter of my pancake."
Langster's POV
Why is she doing all of this? I don't deserve it. She probably doesn't know anything about me.
Sara smiled while eating her pancakes and watching the fireworks.