A Fatal Error

"A Fatal Error" is a short story by O. Henry that explores themes of love, deception, and the intertwining of fate and coincidence. The narrative centers around a pair of lovers who find themselves ensnared in a series of misunderstandings due to a crucial mistake. O. Henry's trademark wit and irony shine through as the characters navigate unexpected twists, ultimately leading to a poignant conclusion that highlights the unpredictability of relationships and the consequences of seemingly small errors.

• Short story

								
"What are you looking so glum about?" asked a Houston man as he
dropped into a friend's office on Christmas Day.

"Same old fool break of putting a letter in the wrong envelope, and
I'm afraid to go home. My wife sent me down a note by the hired man an
hour ago, telling me to send her ten dollars, and asking me to meet
her here at the office at three o'clock and go shopping with her. At
the same time I got a bill for ten dollars from a merchant I owe,
asking me to remit. I scribbled off a note to the merchant saying:
'Can't possibly do it. I've got to meet another little thing today
that won't be put off.' I made the usual mistake and sent the merchant
the ten dollars and my wife the note."

"Can't you go home and explain the mistake to your wife?"

"You don't know her. I've done all I can. I've taken out an accident
policy for $10,000 good for two hours, and I expect her here in
fifteen minutes. Tell all the boys goodbye for me, and if you meet a
lady on the stairs as you go down keep close to the wall."
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