How it Works

Flash Fiction

How it Works

“Gerald, don’t forget you need to clean the garage this weekend so Andrea can get her car in.”

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t remind me!”

“Great! Oh, and the lawn needs a quick mowing. You know the kids will be playing in the yard when Sandy comes…”

“I can do that later…”

“Are you going to the hardware store this weekend? I still need that new hammer since Jimmy lost mine…”

“I can fit that in. You know those pink flowers you like are on sale now, do you want me to pick up a few?”

“That would be lovely for that garden out front; can you plant them for me once you’ve gotten them?”

“Sure, I guess I can fit that in.... What are you doing today?”

“Your mother is coming over…”

“Oh…”

“You will be busy. She won’t be able to spend time telling you what you ‘should’ be doing… I have it completely under control.”

“I hope so… when is she coming?”

“She said about twelve thirty…”

“OK! I’ll go to the hardware store now…

“Gerald… It’s only nine thirty. If you go to the hardware store now you will be here when your mother comes, and you won’t have a place you ‘have to go’ before it closes…’ You’ll be stuck talking, and she won’t let you leave; you know that.”

“Oh yeah! I better start with the lawn and the garage… I’ll go to the hardware store when she arrives and then finish cleaning the garage. She hates dusty garages!”

“Smart decisions…

Later, having coffee, Gerald’s mother said, “I am amazed at how that works. Does he always find jobs to do so he won’t have to chit chat?”

“Absolutely! He’s just like my father! Just don’t tell him I told you.”

They laughed and laughed.