The Free Indie Reader #1

  * * *

  Alan wiped his feet on the welcome mat. He opened the door, went inside, and washed his hands.

  “How's Lou?” asked Betsey, who was cooking a stew.

  “Not too bad,” said Alan. “I'm glad he didn't have too much pride to let me help with his lawn.”

  “Is he going to be fined?”

  “We managed to avoid the end of the world,” said Alan.

  “As long as we got our mower back,” said Betsey.

  “Of course, dear,” said Alan, pecking his wife on the cheek.

  Alan wandered into the living room, and collapsed into his favorite chair. He heaved a sigh of relief. He was exhausted.

  “I wanted to help,” said Thomas. He was lying on the couch with his Game Boy. “But Mom said you didn't want me to bother you.”

  “Oh?” said Alan.

  “Yes... I wanted to make up for being a...” Thomas swallowed. “For being mean to you earlier.”

  “Oh, it's all right,” said Alan. “Lou and I were just catching up. We had a little guy time while doing the yard.”

  “I still think he's boring,” said Thomas. “I mean, not in a mean way. He just seems so normal.”

  “Oh, he's really interesting,” said Alan with a chuckle, “Once you get to know him.”