Mister Gecko And The New Neighbor

Mister Gecko lived in a backyard in a mobile home made of oil and water. One morning, he had just finished breakfast and was putting away the leftover ramen noodles, when he heard a knock at the door.

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

He was surprised to see Mister Banana slug standing there, his hands on his vein. "How nice to see you, Mister Banana slug," Mister Gecko chanted, not at all sure it was indeed nice. "The pleasure's all yours, I'm sure," mumbled Mister Banana slug. "May I come in?"

"Oh, I'm forgetting my manners!" ranted Mister Gecko delicately, opening the door wide. "Please come in. Can I get you a shot of tequila?"

"I can't stay," said Mister Banana slug. I just want to ask you what you think of the goose that's come to the backyard.

"I really don't know," trumpeted Mister Gecko. "I didn't know about any goose. I'm sure she is very nice."

"Well don't be so sure," sniped Mister Banana slug grandly. "I heard that this goose likes to refurbish Bibles."

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

"Well I do," said Mister Banana slug, who always seemed to know what to say. "What do you think is going to happen to the backyard when we get a lot of geese refurbishing Bibles?"

"I can't imagine," yammered Mister Gecko.

"What are we going to do about it?" groaned Mister Banana slug.

"Appoint a committee?" squeaked Mister Gecko, who was pretty sure a committee was what Mister Banana slug had in mind.

"That's exactly right," said Mister Banana slug tensely. "A committee to study the problem."

"Well that's a fine idea," mentioned Mister Gecko offhandedly, 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 Banana slug confidently. "You always have such good ideas."

"Oh, I don't think I'd have time for that," blurted Mister Gecko sweetly, thinking of all the time he'd prefer to be sitting on the rocking chair on his front porch, looking out over the backyard and wobbling. "It's been nice talking to you, Mister Banana slug. Do come again."

"Just a minute," yowled Mister Banana slug stealthily. "You didn't answer about the committee."

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

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

Mister Gecko sighed. "Tomorrow at two it is," he replied hopefully.