Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Leniency (04/18/24)
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TITLE: EXPECTATIONS | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ann Menschel
04/24/24 -
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Shawn rolled over and reached out for his phone. Opening his eyes, he groaned as the bright morning sun shone through the window. Bringing the phone to his face he gasped as he saw the time. Ten-thirty! He sprang from the bed and grabbed his work jeans from off the floor, looking once more out the window. “Oh no, what’s Dad doing out there?” he exclaimed out loud. Gathering the rest of his clothes he ran down the stairs.
Chuck sat on an overturned 5-gallon bucket, scraping loose paint off the garage wall. He glanced up when he heard the back door slam. Shawn came running out to him, stopped and just stood there.
“Good morning,” Chuck said. “Or is it afternoon?”
“What are you doing here? Your golf tournament is this morning. You’re not supposed to be here,” Shawn exclaimed.
Chuck halted his scraping and looked at Shawn. “This garage is not going to paint itself. Your Mom is due back sometime this afternoon. When I talked to her last night she mentioned how excited she is to see the newly renovated garage – and how proud she is that you took on the project. That was the understanding, right? Scraped, painted and everything put away before Mom got home – in return for our contribution to your four-wheeler fund. The note you left last night said you were out with the guys but would finish the project first thing this morning. I’m a little confused about when ‘first thing this morning’ might be.”
“I got home pretty late. We got caught up in a video game. We won, by the way.”
Chuck just stared back at Shawn.
“Then I overslept. I thought I set the alarm. But, Dad, today’s your tournament. You’re missing it.”
“I was pretty excited about the tournament,” Chuck agreed, “but I was more excited about how pleased your Mom would be with the garage project being finished. She’s wanted this done for a long time. I made a choice and chose to put her happiness ahead of my desire.”
Shawn looked down, shuffling his feet. “I blew it, Dad. I should have stayed home and worked some more on the garage last night. For sure I should have been certain my alarm was set so I could start early this morning . . . and not ruin your day . . . and not disappoint Mom. I’m really sorry.”
Chuck stood up and put his hand on Shawn’s shoulder. “We can’t change what happened – but I think we still have time to make Mom happy. I’ll finish scraping here while you start painting the east wall that’s ready.”
Several hours passed with both father and son working quickly to finish the project. Little was said as each were lost in their thoughts. As the last of the equipment and ladders were neatly stacked in the garage, Shawn looked his Dad in the eye. “I’m so sorry I was irresponsible last night and this morning. It cost you your fun day and almost frustrated Mom. Please forgive me.”
Chuck wrapped his arm around Shawn’s shoulder and pulled him in for a hug. “You are forgiven. Let’s get some lunch. I’m starving.”
As they walked toward the house, Shawn asked quietly, “So . . . about the contribution toward the four wheeler . . . Is that still a deal?”
“Hmm,” Chuck answered, “there may need to be a renegotiation on the terms.”
“I understand,” Shawn quickly replied. “That’s more than fair.”
“Actually,” Chuck said, “I’ve always kind of wanted a four wheeler myself, so it seems this might need to be a partnership.” A wide grin spread across Chuck’s face as he witnessed Shawn’s shocked expression.
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