Day CCLXXXVIII

House Burnt Down

     “Dude, da way ya look at this moment, ain’t enough jokes in the world ta brighten ya up. Right na, not even Redd Foxx don’t na nutin ta make youse laugh. Tell me man, what is it? Ya gots money problems? Ya wife left ya? Ya girl dumped ya? Ya dog died? Anybody die? Lay it on me man... maybe I can help? Grab yourself some joe, sit down, and lay it on me dude.”

     Henry looked at Sid, he bowed his head, then says…

     “Ya won’t laugh at me, uh?’

     “Come on man, what kinna poison ya tink I am?”

      He hesitated, stared out the window, and back at Sid. He was looking at the floor as he walked over, and got himself a cup of joe. He looked up, smiled, then with a straight face…said:

     “Saturday,” He gulped, as tears were welling up in his eyes, but refusing to flow, he paused, then continued: “Saturday,” he said again, “My house burnt down!”

     “Haw haw haw…I’m sorry Hank, Oi na I don tol ya I wouldn’t laugh, but dat’s da funniest sheet I eva hoid, man. Ya gotta agree wit me it is funniiieeeE!”

     Henry looked at the floor again, smiled, then looked at Sid, and says,

     “Yea, I guess so!”

     “Guess so my ass, man. You’re a fiah extinguisha salesman, one of our top  reps as a matter of fak, anya facking house boins down. How da hail is dat?”

     Henry wanted to light up again, but he knew there was a no smoking rule in the office. He was in deep pain because he didn’t have insurance, and he could wind up homeless. So he stood there stunned, and stared out the window, looking for the words to explain himself to Sid, and hopping he wouldn’t laugh at him again.