SMOKE & SURPRISES

 

This happened early in the double zero decade. I’m guessing around 2003. And it was around Christmas, because my tree & decorations were up.

I switched on the hall light downstairs. To my horror, smoke began streaming from it! Instantly I switched it off.

In a panic I grabbed the phone book and chose an electrician at random. I don’t even remember which one.

The electrician told me he’d be right over, but it would cost me $70. -- This was a lot to pay for an electrician back then, but a bargain price these days! Fearing my home was ready to go up in flames, I said YES!

As I waited, I wondered how perilous a situation this was; after all, he didn’t tell me to leave the house immediately, and to run next door to phone the fire dept.

I picked up my huge hurricane light and examined the wall for scorching. Thankfully, there was none. Then I heard my doorbell ring.

Upon opening, I was startled to discover 6 or 7 men in their 20’s standing there!

“You have a smoking light switch?” inquired the one in front.

I nodded.

One by one they paraded into my house. I figured this must be an emergency or why else would they send a team.

However, only the one who spoke worked on the light switch. All the others just stood around silently and watched.

The switch was repaired in a jiffy. He turned it on to show me.

Now, I wanted this group of strangers out of my home quickly as possible since I could see no reason for them being there in the first place, and their presence made me uncomfortable.

To facilitate this, I asked the guy who fixed it if he could mail me the bill.

“No problem,” he replied. “We have your name and address.”

I watched as one by one, this large group paraded out of my home. I felt relieved to see them go.

And to my surprise, I never received a bill.