Brighter Days

Have you ever noticed that the quality of an entire day often hinges upon the first hour? I find that, in the absence of an unexpected event, I can usually tell whether my day will be good or bad before I even get to work. That has worked to my advantage lately, thanks to a silly little picture that makes me laugh every time I see it as I walk to and from work.

As I leave my neighborhood, I pass a huge construction site that stretches at least 100 meters along the main road through the city. The university beside my new apartment is building a new teaching hospital. A tall wall separates the sidewalk from the construction site – presumably to protect pedestrians and reduce noise.

The wall is mostly white, but there are a few pictures printed onto the wall’s vinyl covering. Most of them are typical stock photos – fake families posing together, puppies running through lush fields and other equally unrealistic images. They are all boring, except for one. The photo that stands out makes me laugh every time I pass it.

I would love to know the story behind this picture, but it’s not possible. So, to break the monotony of my walk to work, I make up my own story. I’ve decided that this picture was taken about fifteen years ago by parents who were smart enough to understand the value of leverage in the parent/child relationship. Her father took the picture, hid it away for a decade, and then threatened to show the world her most embarrassing moment if she didn’t toe the line. Unfortunately, she called his bluff recently and earned a B in school. As retribution, he posted the picture in the most conspicuous place he knew – the giant wall along Daegu’s main street.

The real story is probably not as complicated or interesting as that, but the picture still makes me smile and occupies my mind for the long walk to school every day. I’m glad it’s there.

Until next time.

-Taft