Scare the crows
Are you working? She's small and squat and looking up at me from the other side of the reference desk.
I said yes. Can I help?
Probably not. I have this monkey at home that keeps eating my petunias.
All your petunias? I focus on the details I heard last.
Yes. Little creature just eats up all the garden but I don't mind.
Has this been happening long?
Ever since they opened the doors to the zoo.
I didn't know they did that. How can I help you?
They did. Let loose all the animals. Now a monkey is in my garden. I don't know what you could do about that.
Okay. What can I do for you then?
Oh, nothing. It's just a silly thing. Glad you are working.
And with that, she left.
Not long after, more than a day and less than a week, in came the same person. Still squat and with a look as if someone had told her the sun was going out and she was remembering where she put the candles.
My monkey is gone.
I'm sorry. I had forgotten as my days are often full of questions.
They came and took the monkey from my yard.
I registered. Well, at least the petunias are safe.
Was it you? Did you call them?
No, I did not.
You're sure.
I don't know where you live or who you are and I don't know who they are.
And yet they came for the dear. I had gotten to like it there. It scared the birds. Not the crows, but the little chirpy ones.
Could you go and visit?
Why would I want to visit the birds?
Could you visit the monkey?
Taken aback at the question. I don't think I could. And why? Even if I smell like it, the birds would come back.
Would you like to see a book on gardening? Getting rid of pests? Scarecrows and garden pests?
I suppose. To keep my mind off things.