He visits almost every 2 days and, depending on the season, offers parsley, silverbeet, cherry tomatoes, mandarins and oranges and 3 or 4 magazines.
If he happens to see Dad instead of me, well, then he pops back again the very next day. Just in case Dad knocked me off or I left, I guess.
Here are a few examples in case you think we’re imagining it…
- Dad spray painting the car in the shed. In walked Mr 86 who said, “Hello Dad. (Obviously not what he really called him) Are you spray painting the car?” And then he touched the wet area! We have a thumbprint as proof.
- Dad fixing a car in the shed. In walked Mr 86 who said, “Hello Dad. Are you fixing the car?” And popped his head under the hood and gave him a history lesson on the type of car it was.
- Dad actually answering the door because I was tucked up in bed having a sleep-in. Mr 86 asked where I was and when Dad told him I was asleep, he actually started to whisper because he didn’t want to wake me up! Beautiful thought but wasted on Dad because he’s deaf too. And our bedroom is far away from the front door, so I wouldn’t have heard him anyway.
- The boys helping Dad mow the lawn. The first I knew of his visit was more silverbeet and parsley on the counter.
- Foal helping Dad clean the car and then getting sidetracked with me trying to get the stupid dog to go back home. (A story for another time) I came back inside and there was silverbeet and parsley on the counter.
These are just a few examples but after every single occasion where Mr 86 has not seen me, he has turned up the very next day, and the next… until he does see me. And he always gives me something. Even if it’s just a magazine.
I’ve been in his home (with Dad) and he has enough magazines to visit forever!!!
He never stays for long but he is obviously reaching out for companionship. He is married but his wife works a few days a week. I don’t think there’s a person in our street who doesn’t know him. He’s a lovely person and I wish they were still made that way.
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