My Friend Asked Me to Find out What Her Date Thinks of Her While I Was in a Clown Costume, but I Had No Idea How It Would End — Story of the Day

Being a radio host who gives dating advice doesn’t make navigating love any easier—especially when I crashed my best friend’s first date dressed as a clown. What happened that night was unexpected, and now I’m caught in a situation I never saw coming. Sometimes, life takes you where you least expect.

Once again, I found myself in Lucy’s cozy kitchen, she animatedly talked about yet another man who had caught her attention. Lucy’s love life was always buzzing with activity, unlike mine.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Finding a partner wasn’t easy for me—I didn’t want to date just to avoid being alone.

I believed it was better to wait than to settle, even if that meant coming home to my cat instead of a husband.

“He’s perfect!” Lucy said, pulling me out of my thoughts. “We’ve been texting nonstop. He’s so sweet. I think he might be different.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“So, you haven’t actually met him yet?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Not yet, but we’re meeting Friday. I’m so excited. I can feel this is going to be great!” she said.

I smirked without meaning to.

“What’s that look for?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Nothing. It’s just… you don’t even know him yet. People can seem amazing online but be completely different in real life,” I said.

“You’re so distrustful. That’s why you don’t have a man,” Lucy replied, crossing her arms.

“I don’t have a man because men are idiots,” I said with a shrug.

“Not Mike. He’s wonderful. I think he might even be the one,” she said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Listen to your heart,” I replied. That was my go-to advice, though Lucy said it about every guy she met.

After that evening, I forgot about Mike and Lucy’s upcoming date—until Friday arrived, and I received a message from her.

There I was, dressed as a clown, surrounded by kids—my niece’s friends—because my brother had forgotten to hire an entertainer for her birthday party.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The striped clown suit was too tight, and the red wig itched like crazy. I could feel sweat dripping down my back as kids tugged at my oversized shoes and poked my sides.

“Well, you can do it,” my brother had said, as if asking me to juggle balloons and make kids laugh was no big deal.

“I’m a radio host, not an entertainer!” I snapped.

“It’s basically the same thing,” he replied with a grin.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Even though I wanted to storm out, we both knew I wouldn’t. I always stepped in for family, no matter how ridiculous the request.

As I tried to keep the kids from snatching my wig, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I quickly checked it, careful to keep my clown nose in place.

@Lucy

When will you be free???

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Me

About half an hour

@Lucy

I need your help!!!!

@Me

What happened??

I frowned. Lucy was on her date with Mike. Had something gone wrong?

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Lucy

I don’t know if Mike likes me! I need you to find out!

@Me

How am I supposed to do that?

@Lucy

You do this all the time on your radio show!

@Me

I’m in a clown costume!!!

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Lucy

Pleaseeeeeee

@Me

Fine, but you owe me.

@Lucy

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sighed, stuffing my phone back into my pocket. After peeling off the kids and saying goodbye, I messaged Lucy for the location and called a cab.

When I walked into the dimly lit bar, Lucy spotted me instantly and waved enthusiastically.

I hesitated, adjusting my ridiculous clown wig as a group of strangers gave me confused looks. Taking a deep breath, I made my way to their table.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lucy beamed as I sat down. “Mike, this is Trish, my best friend,” she said.

“Nice to meet you,” Mike said. His eyes briefly flicked to my bright red nose.

“Hi,” I replied, trying to ignore how ridiculous I looked.

Lucy launched into small talk, but the conversation quickly shifted. Mike mentioned a classic movie, and I couldn’t help but jump in.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You’re into old films?” I asked, intrigued.

“Big time,” Mike said, his face lighting up.

We exchanged favorite titles, diving into directors and scenes. Lucy fidgeted, looking uninterested. I tried to change topics, but Mike kept steering it back.

When Lucy excused herself, I leaned in. “So, what do you think of Lucy?” I asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Um… I mean, she’s cute,” Mike said, glancing away like he wasn’t sure how to answer.

“Nice? Lucy is more than cute. She’s amazing,” I said, my voice firm. “She’s funny, smart, and a great cook. I go to her place for dinner sometimes because I can’t stand cooking.”

“I love cooking,” Mike said, smiling a little.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“See? You two already have something in common,” I said, trying to be encouraging. But then he looked right at me.

His eyes seemed to study mine, and for a moment, I felt something strange. It was like a spark, something unexpected. My cheeks got warm, and I quickly smiled back.

“But I don’t want to argue over who cooks dinner,” Mike said, breaking the moment. “There should only be one chef in the kitchen.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I laughed. “So, you’re the chef?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Always,” he said with a grin, and we both laughed.

Just then, Lucy returned to the table. “What’s so funny?” she asked, looking between us. “Were you talking about me?”

“Sort of,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Mike’s phone buzzed, and he excused himself to take the call. The moment he left, Lucy turned to me eagerly. “So? What does he think of me?”

“He thinks you’re cute,” I said carefully. “What do you think of him?”

“I don’t know,” she said, her brow furrowing. “Watching you two, I feel like he’s more your type.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Pfft. What? No. What? No,” I stammered.

“Not very convincing,” she said with a smirk.

“It doesn’t matter. He’s your date,” I said firmly. “There’s a rule—never go after your friend’s guy.”

“It’s just a first date,” Lucy said with a shrug. Then she smiled. “But I’m glad you reacted like that—I think I really like him.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I smiled back, but deep down, something felt off. A tiny pang of sadness hit me, and I wasn’t sure why.

We stayed a bit longer, and I tried to shift the focus so Mike and Lucy could talk.

But every time I said something to steer the conversation, Mike directed his answers back to me. It was hard not to notice, and Lucy didn’t seem thrilled.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When we decided to leave, Lucy headed to the restroom again, leaving me alone with Mike. The night air was cool, and I shivered a little.

“So, do you work as an entertainer?” Mike asked, his tone light.

“Why do you ask?” I replied, narrowing my eyes playfully. Then I saw him glance at my outfit, and it hit me. “Oh, no! I host a radio show. Dating advice, mostly. My niece had a birthday party, and my brother forgot to hire an entertainer.” I gestured to my clown costume with a sheepish smile.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Well, that’s bold of you,” Mike said, grinning.

“It was fine until the kids tried to tear my costume apart. They’re little savages,” I joked.

Mike laughed. “Kids can be wild. They’ve got endless energy.”

“Yeah, but they mean well,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He paused. “Listen, Trish…” he began, his voice softer, but before he could finish, Lucy appeared.

“Want to walk me home?” she asked him brightly. “I live close by.”

“Of course,” Mike said, stepping toward her.

He turned back to me, and we both hesitated. He went for a hug while I offered a handshake, and we ended up with an awkward high five.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

It made us laugh, but as they walked away, I felt something strange, a little twist in my chest.

The next few days passed quietly. Lucy didn’t say much about Mike, which was unusual for her.

She only mentioned that he hadn’t wanted to come up to her apartment after their date.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She shrugged it off, but I could tell she wasn’t thrilled. I didn’t press her for details.

One morning, as I was sipping my coffee, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number.

@Unknown

Hey 🙂 It’s Mike. I know this is weird, but would you like to meet up sometime?

I stared at the screen, my stomach flipping.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Me

How did you get my number?

@Unknown

Secret 😉 So, what do you think?

I frowned, trying to steady my thoughts.

@Me

Sorry, I don’t go on dates with men my friends like.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

@Unknown

Lucy and I only had one date. But I haven’t felt a connection like this in years—with anyone. Not until I met you.

My chest tightened. I stared at the words longer than I should have.

@Me

Sorry, but no.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I set my phone down. Saying no felt like the right thing, but his words lingered, leaving a knot I couldn’t untangle.

I tried to shake it off and focus on work. During my radio show, I put on my usual cheerful voice, pretending my own heart wasn’t a mess.

“Hi, this is Trish. How can I help with your love troubles?” I said, wishing someone could help with mine.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Hi,” a man’s voice said, calm and familiar. “I don’t date much. It’s hard for me to find a connection with someone. But recently, I went on a date with one woman. Her friend showed up in a clown costume. And, well, with the friend, I felt something I haven’t felt in years—maybe ever.”

I froze. My heart skipped a beat. It was Mike.

“But she won’t go out with me. She says it’s wrong. I don’t know what to do,” he said. “I really like her.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My mouth went dry. “Maybe you should listen to her and let it go,” I managed, my voice unsteady.

“She’s unforgettable. The kind of person who stays with you for a lifetime,” he said softly.

I smiled, caught off guard. “You probably just think that because she was wearing a clown costume,” I said, my tone lighter.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I’d remember her no matter what she wore,” he replied without hesitation. “So, will this girl go out with me?”

I hesitated, feeling torn. “I’m afraid that’s impossible,” I said quietly.

Before I could say more, my producer buzzed in. “Take the next call—it’s important,” she said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I switched lines. “Go out with him! You have my blessing!” Lucy yelled through the line. I blinked, stunned. “Finally, a guy you like!”

“But you like him,” I stammered, realizing we were still live.

“Not really. He likes you,” Lucy said.

“It’s not right,” I protested weakly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Forget right or wrong. Listen to your heart. You always say that to others. Take your own advice for once,” Lucy urged.

“So, what do you say?” Mike’s voice came back, gentle but insistent. “Her friend gave her blessing.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sighed, my walls crumbling. “Yes,” I whispered.

The sound engineer played an applause track, and I couldn’t help but laugh. My face burned as I blushed, feeling completely exposed—but strangely happy.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Attending my daughter’s wedding was supposed to be a joyful moment, but facing my ex-husband and his new wife turned everything upside down. Old wounds resurfaced, and new betrayals came to light. I thought I’d left the past behind, but this trip forced me to confront truths I wasn’t ready to face.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

Struggling Widowed Dad Acquires an Aged Stroller from a Flea Market, Detects a Crackling Noise When He Settles His Baby in It

A widowed father buys his newborn baby girl a second-hand stroller at the flea market and hears a strange crackling sound when he puts the baby in it. He inspects it and makes a heartbreaking discovery that changes their lives.

“This was our favorite spot by the window…All those sunsets when we kissed here! The way you used to blush when I whispered things, tucking your hair strands behind your ears,” Tyler, 30, cried near his bedroom window. Warm tears dropped on his late wife Kylie’s framed photo, haunting him with memories as he stared at the evening sky.

Tyler and Kylie led a happy marriage, and the next big thing happened in their lives when she fell pregnant. Tyler, a cashier in a grocery store, started dreaming of raising a beautiful family. Everything seemed like a beautiful portrait until a storm arrived and dropped a bomb in their nest the day Kylie went into labor…

Tyler could not hold back his tears as he recalled hearing their newborn baby girl Tiara’s loud cries from the maternity ward.–Advertisment–

“And then, they gave me my newborn baby to hold… How warm and soft her skin felt… When I asked about you, they showed you cloaked up to your forehead. Patting my shoulders, they said, ‘We’re sorry. We couldn’t save her.’ Why did you leave us, Kylie??”

Kylie had developed last-minute complications during labor and had died during childbirth, leaving Tyler with a mountainous responsibility on his shoulder.

Do not stop when a dark, difficult path arrives. Take one step at a time and keep going.
The sun disappeared behind the trees as an eerie darkness filled Tyler’s heart. He was lost in deep thought when suddenly, his six-month-old baby girl started crying.

“I’m coming… I’m coming, honey!” Tyler ran to fetch some warm milk. He had nobody to babysit Tiara, so he quit his job to tend to her day and night.

“Awwww…lo-lo-lo…” he fed his baby. Tiara wouldn’t sleep without Tyler cradling her in his arms. Sometimes, she would take over an hour to fall asleep, and Tyler had sore arms carrying her around for a long time.

“Where did I keep it?” Tyler began searching for a metal box where he saved money for petty expenses. Baby Tiara was asleep, so he was cautious not to wake her because once she was up, it would only mean Tyler would have another sleepless night.

“Ah, here it is!!” he exclaimed and opened the box, quickly counting the money. Tyler wanted to buy a stroller. “My arms will ache less and baby Tiara will be happy too!!”

The next day, Tyler went to the flea market in town to buy the baby buggy. Tiara was asleep in his arms, as Tyler walked up and down, cradling her to sleep.

He marched toward the store selling baby essentials and saw a woman with a stroller.

“Hey, miss…hey…hey…I love this stroller. I need one like this for my baby.”

Tyler saw a strange glow light up the woman’s eyes which appeared red, painful, and swollen. It looked as though she had spent several sleepless nights crying. Amanda looked at Tyler’s baby as tears rose in her eyes. She sighed heavily and said, “You can take this. I’ll give it to you for $10!!”

“Only for $10??!” Tyler exclaimed.

“Yes, I changed my mind after seeing your baby. You need this stroller more than I do now. You can take it!”

Tyler was surprised by the generous offer and quickly paid for the stroller. The woman took the money and immediately left, vanishing into the crowd and leaving Tyler puzzled but happy with the bargain.

“Ah, finally, sweetie, dad got you a new buggy. We will go home, clean it, and then you can rest in it, alright?!”

Tyler took the stroller home, unprepared for the discovery he was about to make.

He slightly dusted the stroller that looked too decent for its price. It was used but not worn out. He decided to take Tiara for a walk in her stroller and gently put her in, only to hear a strange crackling noise from under the padded seat. It sounded like a packet of chips getting crushed.

“What is that noise??” Tyler immediately withdrew his baby from the buggy and put her on the couch. He slightly lifted the padding and found a piece of folded paper.

“What is this?” he wondered as he unfolded it and saw a handwritten note addressed to a certain ‘Gigi.’

“To my beloved baby girl, Gigi. Darling, I miss you each minute, each second. Without you, my world has turned into a dark grave…” began the first line.

Tyler was stunned as he sat back near a fast-asleep Tiara and continued reading…

“Sweetie, please forgive mama. I know you’re with your daddy in heaven now. Please know that I will always love you. Please forgive me. I am forced to sell your stroller. Mama has nowhere to go, sweetheart. I love you and miss you, my baby. Love, Mama.”

Tyler’s heart almost skipped a beat when he realized this was a mother’s heartfelt confession to her dead child.

“What happened to her daughter? Who is this woman? Where is she now?” he wondered and set on a mission to find the bereaved mother, unaware of how fate would tie her to his life.

Tyler revisited the flea market the next day and returned to the store where he bought the stroller and inquired about the woman. Luckily, the CCTV footage in the store helped him track her down.

“Yeah, that’s her!” Tyler pointed to the screen.

“She came here to sell an old vintage clock. She told me it belonged to her late mother.”

“Do you know her house??”

“She told me her house is the last across the street.”

“Thanks, pal!!” Tyler said, hurrying to the woman’s house. There he saw the woman packing her things in a cloth bundle and an old suitcase.

“If you can’t pay your rent, you can’t stay here for free!” an older man yelled at her.

“Hey, miss, hey…you remember me? I bought a stroller from you yesterday, remember??” Tyler chimed in. “May I know your name?”

Moments of silence prevailed, and then she said, “My name is Amanda.”

“Amanda, hey, nice to meet you. I found your letter in the stroller,” Tyler added, and Amanda started to cry.

As it turned out, the baby buggy Amanda sold to Tyler was her only reminder of her dead child, who had lost her battle with cancer. Amanda was forced to sell it with the other old items in order to pay for her overdue rent.

“My daughter Gigi was five years old… She was too young and innocent… She didn’t know what cancer was. She was my only hope to live after I lost my husband,” Amanda cried.

The landlord kicked Amanda out because he wanted to lease the house for a higher price. Though Amanda got social security benefits, the money was drained, settling her late husband’s debts.

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, Amanda. Listen, I have an idea. Why don’t you come and stay at my house until you find a better place to stay?”

Tyler sympathized with Amanda and invited her to live in his house if she wanted. Though hesitant at first, Amanda could not resist the pleasure of spending time with Tyler’s baby girl.

Amanda moved into Tyler’s house and tended to his baby while he returned to work. She cared for little Tiara like a mother, and even the baby loved being around her.

As time flew by, Tyler moved on from his sorrow. He realized that his daughter needed the love and care of both parents and popped the question to Amanda one day. They had fallen in love by then.

Tyler and Amanda married shortly after. They understood that besides needing each other’s support, they could heal each other’s wounds this way.

What can we learn from this story?

When two broken hearts collide, they heal each other’s wounds. Tyler and Amanda were grieving strangers who needed true support to release them from their sorrows. Fate drew parallels between them, and they helped each other overcome their grief.
Do not stop when a dark, difficult path arrives. Take one step at a time and keep going. After losing his wife, Tyler quit his job to tend to his newborn baby. He was devastated but kept going for his baby’s sake.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

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