Have a Nice Day

Short Story Day 17 of 365

Ever since Sam moved to the neighborhood, he had walked the same trails to get his 30 minutes of exercise in each day. Sarah was a regular on the trail, about his age, and congenial. Occasionally they’d stop and chat for a few minutes before parting.

Today, Sam passed Sarah on the trail, paused, smiled, exchanged greetings, and then left, saying, “Have a nice day.”

Sarah stopped.

“I will NOT have a nice day and you cannot make me.”

“Sorry, Sarah. It’s just, well, just an expression.”

“So, you don’t want me to have a nice day?”

“I didn’t say that. It’s my polite way of saying, ‘I have more important things to do today than speak with you for any length of time, so we’ll just part company now and be on with our business.’ Much easier. No fuss, no muss.”

“Oh, well then, I guess that works. Have a nice day.”

“Thanks, you too.”