July 28, 2009

• Small World

  Henry Dobbins was strolling along the neighborhood sidewalk when the sight of Trevor Arwood suddenly appeared from around the corner.  The two were not friends, though they often pretended to be for long amounts of time.
  “Well, well,” Trevor began, a high air in his voice, “what have we here.”
  “Trevor, what a quaint surprise,” Henry responded in similar fashion.
  “Is it?” Trevor perched his eyebrows, ”You know how I can’t pass up a fine day like this, cooped up inside, playing with blocks or something like that.”
  “Indeed,” Henry said dully. 
  “So how is that sister of yours, Lucy?”
  Henry’s eyes fixed quickly on Trevor’s grinning face. His lips parted to reply, but he hesitated.
  “She’s . . . good,” Henry finally answered in a strained voice.
  “Really,” Trevor said, careless of Henry’s reply, ”Well you know, you should tell her she ought to come over and we can play sometime.”
  “Stay away from my sister,” Henry said, clinching his teeth.
  “Oh what are you on about?  Everyone knows she deserves so much more than she gets at your sad little home.”
  “Lucy is very happy,” Henry stammered in frustration.
  “What brand of macaroni and cheese is your family getting nowadays?  Kraft?” Trevor asked in feigned wonder, “Kroger brand?“ 
  “That’s enough,” Henry said with a fierce look.
  “You know we have nothing worse than Swanson at my place.  How do you think she would like that?”
  “I SAID THAT’S ENOUGH! STAY AWAY FROM MY SISTER, YOU HEAR ME?  I’LL DRAW ON YOUR WALLS, YOU DASTARDLY MONSTER!  I’LL DESTROY YOUR TOYS, I’LL THROW UP ALL OVER YOUR CARPET, I’LL—I’LL—”
  “Oh, poor Henry,” Mrs. Dobbins began, looking down at her crying child, “I’m so sorry, I don’t know why he’s throwing such a fuss.”
  “Oh that’s fine, that’s fine,” Mrs. Arwood assured, “Heaven knows the smallest thing will upset little Trevor, too.  You know what it might be?  They probably just need to get to know each other a little bit better.”
  “That’s probably it,” Mrs. Dobbins agreed.
  “Maybe Henry and Lucy could come over tomorrow afternoon for a play-date?”
  “That sounds like a great idea, I’ll bring them on over tomorrow afternoon!” Mrs. Dobbins answered enthusiastically, “Now Henry what ever is the matter?” she cried in a silly tone as her toddler’s wailing increased.
  And with that the women pushed their strollers in opposite directions.

  • 11:18 am
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