Visit the “A Bedtime Story” show website to submit your story ideas for a future episode!

It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and the golden leaves danced playfully across the pavement as John stepped out of his apartment. His stomach growled loudly, reminding him of his mission: to grab his favorite sandwich from the little deli down the street.

John had been dreaming about this sandwich all week—a hearty combination of roast beef, aged cheddar, and a secret sauce that tickled the taste buds. The thought of it made his mouth water as he walked briskly down his street, the cool breeze feeling refreshing against his skin.

As he hummed a tune, John imagined the familiar chime of the deli’s doorbell and the warm greeting from Lisa, the friendly owner who always knew exactly how he liked his sandwich. His mind wandered back to a day not too long ago, when he first discovered the deli. It was a rainy afternoon, and he had ducked in to escape the downpour. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering soup had enveloped him in warmth, and Lisa, with her kind smile, had recommended the roast beef sandwich. "Trust me, it's our specialty," she had said with a wink.

He remembered taking that first bite, the blend of flavors exploding in his mouth, and knew instantly that he’d found something special. Since then, the deli had become his go-to spot whenever he needed a pick-me-up or just a comforting meal.

However, as he turned the corner on this particular day, John’s heart sank. The normally bustling deli was eerily quiet. He approached the door and found it locked, a hastily written sign taped to the glass: "Closed for Maintenance. Back Tomorrow."

His stomach rumbled in protest, and John sighed deeply, disappointment washing over him. He stood there for a moment, staring at the sign, hoping that maybe if he wished hard enough, Lisa would magically appear to open the shop just for him. But the deli remained closed, silent, and still.

Feeling defeated, John turned away and began his walk home. As he trudged along, he reminded himself that tomorrow wasn’t too far away. Perhaps he could make it a rewarding treat after a long day at work. But for now, he needed a plan B.

Suddenly, an idea sparked in his mind. Around the block, there was a small café he had passed a few times but never actually ventured into. With renewed hope, John decided to give it a try. Maybe he could discover a new favorite sandwich spot.

As he walked through the doors of the cozy café, the aroma of freshly baked bread greeted him, filling the void left by his disappointment. The staff welcomed him with a warm smile, and he felt his spirits lift.

John ordered a sandwich he had never tried before, and as he took his first bite, he realized that sometimes, unexpected detours could lead to delightful surprises. His craving was satisfied, and he found himself enjoying the new experience.

The next day, he would certainly return to his beloved deli, but at that moment, John savored the spontaneity of trying something new, embracing the unpredictability of life’s little adventures.