Ahead of its time

(Baonghean) - My work was so hectic that day my wife assigned me to go to the electronics store to buy a new wall clock for the living room to replace the old one that had served its purpose, its three hands standing still like three fallen warriors on the battlefield.

This was a daunting task for me, but with my wife's trust, I enthusiastically said: "Don't worry, honey!" For a long time, I'd been like a stranger to the market where prices, designs, and quality of goods were constantly changing, good and bad were mixed together, and brands were being counterfeited everywhere. I had to rely on the press for advice to get things done.

I rummaged through my copy of the newspaper "Tell the Truth" (which probably never exaggerates or lies like online) and read the advertisement. Ah! Here it is! The brand new Toli watch, "always ahead of its time, will satisfy you."

I immediately sped to the store, grabbed one right away, afraid of missing out if I hesitated. And so, from today on, the Toli clock with its melodious music and chime marking the hours fills the living room – what could be more delightful?

The first week, the second hand was a few ticks ahead of its time, nothing to worry about; I was new to the factory and still strong, so a little speed was normal. By the second week, the minute hand was fifteen minutes ahead of its time, and my wife was visibly annoyed, grumbling so much that I had to abandon my meal. But that wasn't all! In the third week, the hour hand accelerated like an athlete nearing the finish line. I was listening to the ten o'clock news when I was startled and almost fell over upon hearing the clock casually strike twelve.

I awkwardly joked with my wife:

- It's true that it wants to "always be ahead of its time." It's urging our country to industrialize and modernize quickly!

The worst part is that I just brought the helmet home. The beautiful model has been saying on TV countless times before football matches: "Protects you when you go to the factory, protects you when you go to the fields to plow, protects you when you take your wife and children back to your hometown to visit your parents..."

Enticed by the sound of my protection, I put on my "protective friend" hat and headed to the beach. The car was speeding along when a cow suddenly charged out from the bushes, obscuring my view. The person I was supposed to protect ended up with a head injury, bleeding, and a fractured kneecap. In excruciating pain, I struggled to get up, intending to scold my "protective friend," but it was even more severely injured, so I could only sigh.

So, after two experiences, I've learned that I need to be cautious when watching or listening to advertisements.

Quynh Tho