20 Days of Chill: Booze and Bongos (Day 9)

It’s been a while since we checked in with Earl.

You see, Earl had a change of scenery.

Last we saw of Earl, he had been on the quest for the perfect doughnut. He had traveled far and for many hours in search of his obsession.

No longer was a Dunkin’ or a Krispy going to do the trick. He was going to where he believed would be the ultimate doughnut.

It was last January when Earl made his jaunt to Squared Circle Dougnuts and Sammiches. He had planned everything out carefully. What time the bus would arrive. When the next one would leave. What kind of doughnuts he wanted to eat there. Which ones he wanted to take back with him.

Everything.

All. Planned. Out.

He was so excited, he couldn’t contain himself. He knew there were imposters out there, but Squared Circle Doughnuts is what he wanted more than anything. He needed it. He craved it.

It was going to be his.

But for those of you who remember the tale last year, it didn’t end with Earl’s ultimate quest.

The sign on the door said “Closed.”

There was no timetable on when they’d open again. He stared at that door. He had allotted himself an hour or so before the next bus. For the next 45 minutes, he stared before making the 10-minute walk back to the bus stop.

From that day on, it seemed like Earl wasn’t the same.

For the next 9-10 months, he didn’t know what to do. He tried other doughnuts. He went back to Dunkin’. He visited a place that tried to mimic the greatness that once was Squared Circle Doughnuts. He found people who could tell the tales of how great doughnuts were.

But nothing worked.

It just didn’t matter anymore. One day Earl made the trek to a place called Pro Doughnuts. This was supposed to be just as good. They even tried to make some of the same flavors. But when Earl got there and tried these doughnuts – it wasn’t the same. It was just … a doughnut.

So Earl went cold turkey.

When I last saw him, it was on a dreary day. He was sitting on a bench, looking much more disheveled than normal. He said it wasn’t worth it anymore. Maybe he should start searching for the perfect croissant or something like that. Or a bagel. At least they are round.

“I just don’t know anymore,” he said to me, dejected.

All he knew is he had a one-way plane ticket to some island in the Caribbean. He was going to do some soul searching.

Turns out, he did.

Last I saw of Earl were some photos he put online. He had that crazy smile again. He looked like he was having a goofy time. He was at some luau or something on the beach, drinking fruity drinks filled with booze and playing the bongos.

I never thought Earl had it in him.

Maybe someday his quest will lead him back to doughnuts. But for now, he’s staying away and enjoying life for what he thinks are the finer things.

Who can argue?

This post is part of the 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge hosted by A ‘lil HooHaa. Please check out the link if you’d like to see others or join in. You don’t have to do every theme if you don’t want! And for those participating, take a moment and check out the other participants! You can see the 2017 themes by clicking here. 

Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” A ‘lil HooHaa on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!