... bought a Christmas tree from the lot on the corner near where he lived. They browsed through the available trees and discussed which would look the best in the small corner space in Muffy's apartment.
After finally picking just the right tree, they carried it to the table by the front of the lot. There they chose a tree stand for the size tree they had picked out, then stood in line with several other tree shoppers to pay for their purchase.
The crew of the volunteer fire department were there, also picking out their tree. One of them recognized him.
"Hey, aren't you that software sleuth whose home burned down?" he asked. "What ever became of the investigation into who started that fire?"
Before either he or Muffy could answer, one of the other tree shoppers ran out through the gate into the parking lot, carrying a tree that hadn't been paid for. The table attendant, worried that he might have to pay for the stolen tree, took out after him.
The volunteer fire department crew ran out to help the attendant capture the thief. While everyone was distracted watching the happenings in the parking lot, Muffy let her eyes wander around the rest of the tree lot.
"Hey, Kerry!", she yelled. "Funny meeting you here! Have you done anything meaningful with your life after you started this thread?"
Muffy and Kerry struck up a conversation, leaving Muffy's former companion totally out of it. Forlorn, he dropped the tree he was ready to purchase, walked slowly out of the tree lot, got into his car, and drove away ... never to see Muffy again. Another man in Muffy's life, left to become but a shell of his former self.
Meanwhile, Kerry and Muffy .... |
