The Pink Box

This is the story of a man named Leone.

Leone woke up everyday at exactly 7:00. Then, at 7:03, he got out of bed, went to the kitchen, made some breakfast, ate it, and by 7:18 sharp he was cleaning his teeth. First his front left tooth.

Leone had this very strict routine. His boss knew it. At 8:01 he was on his desk. Not at eight o’clock, but exactly at one minute past eight.

This timely perfection was his talent. His power. It made him feel comfortable. It made him feel good.

Leone was happy.

Until one day.

Leone woke up at exactly 7:00, then went on to his usual routine. At 7:34 he was outside, marching towards the yellow building. But there was something on the ground, a pink box.

It shone like the sun. It was beautiful.

Leone wondered, why was that box there? Did somebody drop it by accident? So perfectly aligned with the lines on the floor? Could it be God? A sign from the Heavens above? Or perhaps it was some kind of Pandora box, not meant to be opened.

The curiosity was thrilling. Leone hadn’t felt something like that for a long time.

But instead of wondering what that box was, Leone felt that he should instead wonder about what to do with it.

Leave it alone? Open it? Take it to the Police? Maybe somebody is looking for it.

What would Leone do? The options were endless! He was exhilarated, feeling an adrenaline rush. He was doing something other than respecting his usual routine. He felt like he was in a new world. He was so happy, he didn’t want it to end. So instead of leaving it or taking to the police, he decided to take the box as his own and open it.

Inside there was a watch. Leone took it out of the box to have a good look at it. And he noticed that there was something engraved on the backside.

“You are late for work.”

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