Short story

People often called me Boom ciao because when I get an order to blast someone no matter their position, wealth or last name, I always get it done. Boom like the sound of a blast and ciao is Italian for goodbye. But this one time, it went all wrong and left me all humiliated to the point I decided to put an end to my career. Because of that, I remember this day as if it were yesterday. It all started when I got an order from a man to blow up a couple. Their names are Mr. and Mrs. Parker. The man who asked me to blow them up didn't want to show his identity and even said that he would pay me extra if I get the job done correctly. So, I decided to start working as soon as I can. First, I went to the address that was given to me and then I waited outside until they would show up. After a while, I understood that they won't leave the house today, as it started to get dark outside. So, I decided to come back the next day. The next day, I was able to grab a taxi and arrive at their house safely with the cardboard box in which I packed the bomb. It was a very sunny and bright day that would make even the cats want to get some fresh air. After an hour, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Parker get out of their house. They were holding hands and walking towards a café next door. I followed them quietly without making it obvious. It was exactly 2 pm. They sat on a table for two facing each other and I sat in front of the bar facing towards them. After about 15 minutes, they ordered two café au lait. Eventually seeing them drink made me wanted to drink one also. So, I ordered one. Time passed and around 2:50 pm, I lost my patience and decided to go to the toilet to set up the bomb. I made sure to lock the door so no one can enter. It took me around 5 minutes to set up the bomb. I sat it up for 4 pm and put back into the cardboard box so no one would suspect. I got out of the toilet and this time I sat next to Mr. and Mrs. Parker's table with my café au lait. I put the package under the table and waited until it's quarter to four to get out of the café. When the time came, I went outside. In the next few minutes, I was constantly looking at my watch to not to miss the right time. As I saw it was 3:59 on my watch, my heart skipped a beat. My eyes couldn't get out of glancing the couple. I waited desperately with my eyes wide open only to see that nothing happened even at 4:01 pm. At that point, I understood that something has happened so I went to see if the package was still there. Strangely, it was there. I took it and went to the toilet. As I was looking at it, I saw that I have never sat the start button! The shame that I felt that day led me to take the decision to stop my career once and for all!

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