Malcom had always been a man of mystery, a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit in any box. Unfortunately, the enigma wasn't the enticing kind that drew people in, eager to learn more. Instead, it pushed people away. It was a strange problem he had: he carried an overwhelming odor around him.
As far back as he could remember, the situation had been the same. He would walk into a room and people would sniff the air, then putting their hands over their noses in distaste. Friends would subtly step away from him at gatherings. Some strangers even turned and fled as soon as they caught a whiff of his unique scent. Even his best attempts to control the situation seemed pointless. Every new deodorant and antiperspirant brought more disappointment, proving as ineffective as the last one.
He hoped that switching to perfumes might help. They masked the smell somewhat, but created another problem: the intense scent of perfume combined with his odor was overpowering, enough to make people choke and sneeze.
Even his shower routine, performed diligently every day with multiple rounds of soaps, scrubs, and lotions, seemed to be to no avail. It was as though his odor was an intrinsic part of his identity, refusing to let go no matter what he did.
Despite these struggles, Malcom held onto his hope. There was surely a solution out there that would allow him to walk amongst people without leaving them gasping for fresh air. He couldn't let this defeat him.
But at the end of the day, when all attempts were made, Malcolm accepted his predicament and realized he had to adapt. Instead of fretting about it, he made jokes about his unusual problem and people started to appreciate his wit and sense of humor. Malcolm was never again remembered for his smell but for his heart-warming laughter and strength. Indeed, Malcolm may have smelled bad, but he definitely made sure he left a good impression behind.
Malcom On The Elevator
Scene 1: Office Building Lobby
Malcolm walks into the office building after having jogged to work. Unaware of his smell, he pushes the elevator button, preparing to go to his office on the fifth floor.
Scene 2: Inside the Elevator
Malcolm (out of breath): Good morning.
Passenger 1: (sniffs air) What is that smell?
Passenger 2: (holds nose) It smells like rotten eggs.
Malcolm: (laughs awkwardly) It must be the sewage from outside.
Scene 3: 4th floor stop
Passenger 3: (as elevator stops on fourth floor) Well, I'm glad I'm getting out here. (hurries out)
Passenger 2: (sarcastically) Yes, aren’t you the lucky one.
Scene 4: Finally the 5th floor
Narrator: The elevator doors finally open on the fifth floor. Malcolm steps out as the remaining passengers sigh with relief.
Passenger 1: (whispers to Passenger 2) We should start taking the stairs.
(Scene ends as Malcolm waves back to them, blissfully unaware.)
Scene 5: Office Space
As Malcolm steps into his office, his co-workers subtly distance themselves, opening windows and discreetly applying hand sanitizer as a makeshift perfume.
Malcolm (still clueless): Is it a bit warmer than usual today? Maybe we should turn up the AC.
(Scene ends with everyone agreeing enthusiastically and his assistant adding use deodorant on Malcolm's to-do list for tomorrow.)
Scene 6: End of the day
As the day ends, Malcolm’s secretary nervously hands him a package - it's a deodorant set, with a note.
Secretary: Malcolm, some office etiquette we need to follow (nervously laughs).
Malcolm (laughing): Oh I guess I must be stinking up the place so I take it someone is tired of me sweating. Well, point taken.
Everyone chuckles, sighs of relief echoing around the room. From that day forward, the elevators became a safer space for everyone.