“Yes, yes, o’ course ye are…” Jim mutters as he shuffles around the tree looking for any other evidence.

Todd is also looking around but he can’t see anything but a ball-point pen that’s been crushed. Probably from when Tom fell out of the tree, he thinks, sour-faced. God, I hope that kid is hurting. Serves him right!

Jim eyes Todd carefully, then asks. “Do you need my help with anything, son?”

Without even looking at him, Todd answers, “No. I’m fine. You can go now.”

Jim doesn’t leave. He’s waiting for a thank you or some kind of acknowledgment of his help. He receives none. Angry, Jim says, “Fine. Goodbye.” He turns and stalks off toward his little house.