100 Songs Challenge: 24

24: Bad Day by R.E.M

There’s an error message flashing on the screen in front of me.

Your computer is infected

It’s followed by the operating system’s recommendations. The anti-virus/anti-spyware/firewall software ran out last week so the computer’s basically screwed. Not a lot I can do. Quick scan to find the buggers, remove the ones I can find, give up on the rest. Make a note to tell parents. Go to friend’s house.

***

There’s an irate parent standing in front of me.

What the hell have you done to the computer?

Well, I haven’t done anything. But apparently it won’t connect to the internet and it’s still telling anyone who’ll listen that it’s infected – DO SOMETHING. The non-existent net connection is news to me. Almost. It’s done that before. Irate parent believes it’s my fault because I’m online most. Do I not know that things can get onto the computer from Facebook and Twitter? Well, yes, but that’s why we have anti-virus/anti-spyware/firewall software. Irate parent still blames me – I must have done something to make the connection vanish. Sit down, wait for irate parent to leave, try to find scanning software. Fail. Wait for connection to come back – it’s not my fault it left. Fail. Swear at computer. Give up.

***

There’s a blank page and a pencil in front of me.

There’s an error message flashing on the screen in front of me.

No computer. No spyware. No vanishing net connection. No irate parent. Falling stress levels. The end of a bad day. Hopefully.