“Why can’t that one do it?” Miss Mary asked, jabbing a gnarled finger at Patricia. “Because you’re working that one’s last nerve,” Mrs. Greene said. “And if that one doesn’t get a break she’s liable to throw you off the roof.” Miss Mary thought about it for a minute, then said, “No one’s pushing me off any roof.” “Keep acting like that and I might help her,” Mrs. Greene said.”

“Why can’t that one do it?” Miss Mary asked, jabbing a gnarled finger at Patricia. “Because you’re working that one’s last nerve,” Mrs. Greene said. “And if that one doesn’t get a break she’s liable to throw you off the roof.” Miss Mary thought about it for a minute, then said, “No one’s pushing me off any roof.” “Keep acting like that and I might help her,” Mrs. Greene said.”

— Grady Hendrix