People in Justville were proud of themselves: they always go by the rules, no matter what. It was their belief that everything happened in Justville is quite fair, that was of course, as long as everyone keeps in mind, to always play by the book.
(In front of the town hall)
The election day meant a lot for the people of this small town. Even the summer heat couldn’t stop people’s passion to vote for the next mayor of Justville. Everyone was dying to see who would be the big winner of the day. The crowd argued all the way from their door gate to the town hall; could it be Mr.Faith, who had never eaten up his words or could it be Mr.Goodwill, who would be there for anyone who was in trouble and try to be the savior of the day.
“Silence please, silence please!” to people’s anxiety, someone finally walked out of the gate of the town hall and seemed ready to announce the next mayor of Justville. The two candidates looked at each other, praying in their heart is obvious. But, for some reason, Mr.Goodwill seemed to be a little more confident. Anyone who set his eye on him would easily tell; something in his eyes gave it out.
“There are 806 eligible voters in our town. Mr.Goodwill and Mr.Faith each get 403. So, it turn out to be a tie!” said the messenger, “The town council has decided the two candidates to draw a lot”.
“What, A lot?” someone from the crowd shouted loudly, “we can’t possibly just let lot to decide!”
“Yeah, it wouldn’t be fair!”
Soon, the messenger had to take it back to the town council to ease the tense when Jamie hurried to the the gate, carrying a paper which seemed to be something important.
“Wait……wait a minute! Here’s another vote,” Jamie ran to the front, breathing, ”there should be 807 voters in Justville, the missing part is my father,” Jamie then passed the vote in his hand to the messenger and continued to the crowd, ”and my father choose Mr.Goodwill.”
“Wait a second”, the same guy from the Crowd shouted again, “your dad had just passed away, don’t you fool me, I even went to his funeral.”
“That is so wrong, dear sir, he who dies when the law says so,” Mr.Goodwill suddenly walked in front and gave a firm eye to Jamie, “and I believe the poor boy Jamie is here to honor that rule.”
“How in the world can a dead man vote?“ this time Mr.Faith got angry, “Jamie’s father died one month ago. We all know that”
“Oh Mr.Faith, I’m afraid this is not up to us to decide, mustn’t you be very careful about this kind things, more so even, should you be the next mayor of Justville,” Mr.Goodwill replied, “This is certainly the law that one is not legally died before he is removed from the town registration. And we all know that here in Justville we are very good at playing by the rules.”
“Nonsense”, Mr.Faith became more angry, “I shall check it myself.”
“Suit yourself then, my dear sir,” smiled Mr.Goodwill, “but should you keep in mind, don’t you let the people of Justville wait for the announcement of their new mayor for too long.”
The darkness is gathering. However, for the crowd in front of the town hall, the night is still young.
(In the registration office)
“Indeed, Jamie’s father passed away in a car accident one month ago. But just as what Mr.Goodwill said, he is not legally died yet, not at least on the paper.” The chief officer in registration department said so, giving Mr.Faith and his supporters standing behind him a blank look.
“But why not report that poor man’s death tonight, right now. We have gathered his autopsy report and all, all that you need to conform his death.” Mr.Faith’s biggerst sponsor proposed.
“That’s right, sir. Listen to what that nice gentleman just said, would you please confirm the death of Jamie’s father tonight, just tonight sir.” Says Mr.Faith, in a nearly begging tone.
The officer sighed and then said: “I’m afraid I’m not allowed to do so unauthorized. And even if, even if I want to help, the system could need at least a day or two to update the system. That is to say, on the paper, there is no way it can writes about his death within a day, let alone before midnight.”
“Mr.Goodwill sure did his research well this time.” Mr.Faith thought to himself, leaving the office, saying nothing more.
(On the town squire after Mr.Goodwill’s speech)
Holding a beer with a sticker with Justville’s Victory on it, he said a curse and wondered would it turn out to be completely different if he were to draw the damn lot for a go, maybe the wheel of fortune was on his side for just this time.
However, he knows better than anyone else what they say around in this town, people in Justville always play by the book. “But I guess I still get to be Mr.Faith and the people of this town still have their pride, nothing has changed.” the man of his words uttered, with the background radio announcing the big night of the new mayor.
Short Stories
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