I remember back in tenth grade, my old English teacher gave us this particular creative writing assignment. It was a rare thing for us IB students, creative writing. Most of our papers dealt more-so with formal literary critiques and comparisons. And while I do enjoy indulging in the guilty pleasures of deciphering symbolism, it is assignments such as these that kept me sane.

In case you haven't noticed I'm somewhat of a free writing nut. Somewhat. ;]

Needless to say this particular assignment has always been a personal favorite. So simple, so awe-inspiring.

Thus I decided to extend the challenge to you. You don't need to show it to anyone or win a Nobel Prize. Just take a few moments to immerse yourself in all that is 'real'.

Write a short story between 250 - 500 words that ends with an unexpected twist.

Trust me, it's harder than it looks.

- The Perfect Day -
Today was the perfect day. It was the sort of day that most people overlooked. A day like any other with an extra dash of wonder.

Imagine the morning sunlight pouring through your windows. They are at the perfect angle, resting on your covers, just enough to gently tickle your internal alarm. You brush your teeth and take a shower, the water hitting you at just the right temperature. Your daily bowl of cereal gives just the right crunch, not too dry, not too soggy. And then you head off to work, soaking in the little things and realizing that perhaps life really wasn't as bad as you thought.

Really, it was the perfect day.

My boss complimented me at work, I hit it off well with that cute co-worker in the marketing department and I even got to choose the weekly luncheon location. After wards I headed home eager for a nice relaxing bath.

Many people don't understand how beautiful such a day can be. It wasn't extravagant. It wasn't extraordinary. But it was, without a doubt, perfect.

I placed my clothes neatly by the corner of the tub, next to it a brush and pair of scissors. I had planned for this day all my life. Worked out all the little details and made all the necessary preparations. I wanted to make sure that no matter what, everything would go according to schedule.

I turned off the faucet and took a step into the tub, my muscles relaxing immediately at the touch of warm water. I couldn't help but smile to myself as I thought about how wonderful this day was. How easy it had been to attain the pure happiness I have always longed for. I wanted to capture a snapshot of it all, to end the day just as it had started.

And there is only one way to end the perfect day. Yes, I'm sure you have all guessed it by now.

Today was the perfect day. Today was my day. Today was the day I would die.

Word Count: 339