The neighbour from the old shack up the lane came knocking.
The man opened his front door to find his neighbour holding a chain-saw, its teeth shiny and red. He had borrowed it recently and the man had completely forgotten about it. His neighbour had said he needed it before his wife returned from her short stay at her sister’s home. His hands and the front of his trousers were splashed with red too. He was obviously out of breath. He stood for a moment looking lost. Then, he seemed to refocus, saying, “Thanks for the loan,” and held the ghastly-looking thing out.
“Oh! Just put it down there, I’ll see to it later.”
He put it down, then stood staring.
“Did it do the job OK?” the man asked, not at all sure what to say.
The neighbour wiped the sweat from his face with his jacket sleeve, he replied, “Yes. Thanks.”
“OK. You’re welcome,” said the other and went to close the door.
“I hope you don’t mind,” said the neighbour, holding up his hand.
“Yes?” said the man.
“I was wondering if you had a shovel…”
