Scare the crows

     Are you working? She's small and squat and looking up at me from the other side of the reference desk.

     I said yes. Can I help?

     Probably not. I have this monkey at home that keeps eating my petunias.

     All your petunias? I focus on the details I heard last.

     Yes. Little creature just eats up all the garden but I don't mind.

     Has this been happening long?

     Ever since they opened the doors to the zoo. 

     I didn't know they did that. How can I help you?

     They did. Let loose all the animals. Now a monkey is in my garden. I don't know what you could do about that.

     Okay. What can I do for you then?

     Oh, nothing. It's just a silly thing. Glad you are working. 

     And with that, she left.

Not long after, more than a day and less than a week, in came the same person. Still squat and with a look as if someone had told her the sun was going out and she was remembering where she put the candles.

     My monkey is gone.

     I'm sorry. I had forgotten as my days are often full of questions.

     They came and took the monkey from my yard. 

     I registered. Well, at least the petunias are safe.

     Was it you? Did you call them?

     No, I did not.

    You're sure.

     I don't know where you live or who you are and I don't know who they are.

     And yet they came for the dear. I had gotten to like it there. It scared the birds. Not the crows, but the little chirpy ones.

     Could you go and visit?

     Why would I want to visit the birds?

     Could you visit the monkey?

     Taken aback at the question. I don't think I could. And why? Even if I smell like it, the birds would come back.

     Would you like to see a book on gardening? Getting rid of pests? Scarecrows and garden pests?

     I suppose. To keep my mind off things.