Sam's bright success

Sam wasn't the brightest bulb in the package, or at least that is what everyone said. The people at the factory said that. People in the package area said that. Even the people at Walmart said that. "Oh look at this bulb. He's not very bright." Or at least that's what Sam thought they were saying about him.

All day long Sam sat on the shelf at Walmart. Everyday people would walk in and select a different package with a different bulb. Once in a while, Sam would be picked up, examined, and then put back on the shelf. Sam wasn't the brightest bulb and evidently people could tell just by looking at his package. Over time, Sam just got pushed to the back of the shelf never to be seen from again.

One day some evil hackers broke into the town's main frame computer and sent an electric serge through out the city. Bulbs burst all over town. People ran to their stores before night came. K-mart and Walmart cleared out their supplies quickly. Within an hour, Sam was the only bulb left in town. The people of the town huddled around the shelf and stared at Sam. Sam tried to hide in his package. He didn't like being the center of attention. But then Sam saw the crowd part and a little old lady approach. She picked Sam up and put him in her shopping cart. Slowly the woman cascaded down the isles to the cashiers. Money was exchanged, Sam was put in a bag, and away Sam went. All of this happened as the crowd watched and a hushed hum of curiosity hovered over them.

Eventually Sam was let out of the bag, and then out of his package. As he was being screwed into his socket he noticed a damaged light switch. She looked up at him and said, "I'm sorry you are being screwed in here. I'm not as quick as other light switches."

Sam replied, "That's okay, I'm not the brightest bulb."

Gathering outside was a crown of people. Some were pessimistic. Some were believers. But most were just curious - how much light would Sam let out?

After one final turn, Sam came to a stop and was screwed in. The old lady shuffled to the door and turned on the switch. Instantly light filled the room. The crowd outside repelled in disbelief. Even the old lady was shocked. She quickly turned off the switch. Sam looked down at the switch. "What was THAT?"

"I don't know," said the switch, "It must be your doing."

"I didn't do anything." Sam stated. Before they could argue though, the little old lady threw the switch again and suddenly Sam was brighter than the sun at noon.

And he lived happily ever after.