[ RF ] Today you skipped work .

Today was going to be a good day. 
 
 It started with waking up from a deep, satisfying slumber. No alarms, no nightmares. For the first time in quite a while, I was refreshed. Relaxed. I turned to see the clock on the nightstand, showing two hours past the start of my shift. Normally I would spring into action, rushing to work; today was different. I had no intention of going to work today. 
 
 I contemplated calling my boss, but ultimately decided against it. He had a way of guilting me into coming in; and today, I was determined to have a good day. Even if that meant upsetting him. 
 
 I had already planned out a long list of events for the day, but once the time had come, I decided the *last* thing I wanted was to follow an itinerary. So, I grabbed my fishing pole and tackle box, tossed them in the back of my truck, and headed out to the lake. *Today was going to be a good day. * 
 
 The lake was every bit as peaceful as I expected. I even caught something today, which was rather unusual. I spent a couple hours there, and then went on my way. I drove around for a good while, lost in thought. It had been so long since the last time I could just *drive*, with no place in particular to go. I opted to let the road lead me where it might. *Because today was a good day*. 
 
 I stopped and saw a movie, some action-flick that looked decent enough in the previews. It was alright, although it ate up more of the day than I would have liked. I walked around the park, occasionally engaging in conversation with some of the local bench-warmers. I talked to old men about their lives, and was touched by how happy they were just to have someone to talk to. I went bowling for a time, something I had n't done in years; which was evident with my score of 64. Still, it was fun. 
 
 Once the sun was down and I had been driving for a good couple hours, I found a place to end the day. A bridge, overlooking a nearby city; it was one of the most beautiful views I'd ever seen in person. I parked my truck nearby, and headed to the middle. I jumped up on the ledge, sat down, letting my feet hang. I pulled a pack of cigarettes from my pocket, laughing at the thought of my doctor scolding me for it. *This is how you got in this situation in the first place, * he'd say. But it did n't exactly matter now, did it? It was too late for me. 
 
 I stared out at the city lights, enjoying the cool breeze coming off the river. `` Today was a good day,'' I said, looking up to the sky. 
 
 Because today was my last day. 
 

