3WW (Glare, Luster, Threat): Life Is Too Damn Short

As he had done for 25 years, John left his cottage, surveyed the ocean's brilliant luster, and stepped into the customized golf cart at 10 a.m.. The miniature schnauzer bounced into the passenger seat. After a few seconds letting the golf cart's engine warm, he punched the accelerator and was off for his daily tour of the island.

John passed the Miller place. Then the Flynn residence with the dilapidated swimming pool. 'Such a shame,' he spoke to himself, 'that the Meachams sold the place to those people.' The dog, Elmo, barked at a few wayward rabbits. He waved to a few people he didn't know. 'Must be visitors at that Cooper place up the road. Wish they'd keep strangers off the island.' Mrs. Fitzhenry was already out and about around her house. 'Damn shame Roland died,' he commented to the dog. She paid him no mind. He passed the golf course and made it to the center of town. A gas station and a small store. He beeped at Steve.

A few more miles down the road he came to the cottage of his one-time best friend Jack Haggard. But they hadn't spoken in 10 years. Not after that one night when Jack had called him a no good coward and had threatened him with physical harm. He couldn't even remember the reason. But that didn't stop him from holding the grudge. As he passed, he noticed the door was open. His eyes immediately followed the path and witnessed a shocking sight. A body lay motionless on the ground. He pulled up onto the small lawn and saw that it was Jack.

All thoughts of his grudge disappeared as he determined what he could do. He certainly couldn't lift Jack. And he had no training in anything associated with medicine. So, John told Elmo to stay with Jack - which the dog did - and he zoomed back towards the small center. Once there, he called Steve out to his golf cart and told him the issue. Steve closed the store quickly and got into his truck.

Steve and John sped back to the house. They parked, but found that Jack's body was gone. And the front door was closed. There was also no sign of Elmo. 'What's going on John?' Steve asked. But John didn't know what to say. Instead he walked up to the front door and glaredthrough the window. Nothing. 'Maybe I should try around back just to make sure,' John said. Steve followed.

When they rounded the corner, John saw Jack sitting in a chair petting Elmo. 'What the hell...' John began to say. But he was cut off by a number of voices yelling, 'Surprise!' The Millers. The Flynns. The Coopers. The Meachams. Even Mrs. Fitzhenry. Not to mention a number of other residents.

Jack stood and approached John. 'Happy Birthday, old friend. Life is just too damn short.'