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"