This is the second part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I before continuing.
Zach’s favorite television show was interrupted when his grandmother came wandering into the living room, zig zagging between his seat on the couch and the screen.
Zach thanked whatever gods may or may not be listening that he lived in an age where he could pause anything and watch it later, but it was still annoying to have to pause his favorite show right before the big reveal they had been leading up to all season.
“What is it, Grandma?”
“I can’t find my car key.”
“The one in your hand?”
“No, this is the key to your car. I can’t find the key to my car.”
“You put your key back in your purse when you took my car.”
“I feel like I’m losing my mind,” she mumbled, ignoring him as she continued her search.
Zach looked at her purse where it sat on a chair behind where his grandmother was currently standing. It was right where she had left it, he had just told her where her keys were, and yet she ignored him. He sighed and contemplated letting her search forever. When she had ignored his mother’s advice about what not to put down the disposal, his mother had ignored her right back and then laughed when her disposal broke and had to be replaced.
But if Zach didn’t show her where her keys were, she was just going to keep interrupting his show, and that was less funny, so he got up, plucked the key out of the outside pocket of her purse where she always put her keys, and dangled it in front of her.
Exasperated at herself, she took the key and left the room, still mumbling to herself, and Zach was able to get back to his show in peace and quiet.
But the incident had given him an idea. If his grandmother insisted on rearranging his home, he would just rearrange it right back. Instead of viewing it as extra work for himself, he would think of it as a game – one he was sure to win.
He didn’t stop at rearranging his own possessions. He moved his grandmother’s things around when she wasn’t looking. She would put a plate away, and as soon as her back was turned, he would put it back on the counter and feign ignorance when she accused him of moving it. He had never considered himself a particularly good actor, but he fooled her easily enough, and his success increased his boldness.
Next, he moved her glasses, her purse, her keys, anything she left lying around would suddenly find itself in a new location. It had the desired outcome and Zach delighted in watching her run around in circles trying to find her things.
“Your house is full of gremlins,” she would grumble to him.
“I never have a problem finding my things.”
She never had a response to that. Zach would smile innocently at her and she would be forced to resort to tottering off, still muttering about whatever he had rearranged this time.
To be continued…
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