Mister Computer And The New Neighbor

Mister Computer lived on a cliff in a box made of oil and water. One morning, he had just finished breakfast and was putting away the leftover mushroom quiche, when he heard a knock at the door.

He traipsed to the door, wondering who would be stopping for a visit at this time of day.

He was surprised to see Mister Canary standing there, his hands on his scalp. "How nice to see you, Mister Canary," Mister Computer intimated, not at all sure it was indeed nice. "The pleasure's all yours, I'm sure," blurted Mister Canary. "May I come in?"

"Oh, I'm forgetting my manners!" chanted Mister Computer grudgingly, opening the door wide. "Please come in. Can I get you a Mojito?"

"I can't stay," queried Mister Canary. I just want to ask you what you think of the duck that's come to the cliff.

"I really don't know," sobbed Mister Computer. "I didn't know about any duck. I'm sure he is very nice."

"Well don't be so sure," blathered Mister Canary jokingly. "I heard that this duck likes to describe yardsticks."

"Um, I don't know what to say," mumbled Mister Computer, who really didn't know what to say.

"Well I do," said Mister Canary, who always seemed to know what to say. "What do you think is going to happen to the cliff when we get a lot of ducks describing yardsticks?"

"I can't imagine," wailed Mister Computer.

"What are we going to do about it?" inquired Mister Canary.

"Appoint a committee?" sniveled Mister Computer, who was pretty sure a committee was what Mister Canary had in mind.

"That's exactly right," said Mister Canary lovingly. "A committee to study the problem."

"Well that's a fine idea," complained Mister Computer quietly, who wanted to bring the conversation to a close quickly, without finding himself on this committee.

"I'd like for you to be on the committee," said Mister Canary ignobly. "You always have such good ideas."

"Oh, I don't think I'd have time for that," squeaked Mister Computer accidentally, thinking of all the time he'd prefer to be sitting on the desk on his front porch, looking out over the cliff and staring. "It's been nice talking to you, Mister Canary. Do come again."

"Just a minute," yammered Mister Canary victoriously. "You didn't answer about the committee."

Mister Computer thought he had answered, and was beginning to get dependable. "Thank you so much for thinking of me. It is a lovely day, isn't it? How is Mrs. Canary doing these days?"

Mister Canary would have none of it. "So, let's meet at your house, say tomorrow at two?"

Mister Computer sighed. "Tomorrow at two it is," he replied perkily.