It was only 4pm. Why wasn’t the general store open? There was smoke rising from the chimney. Maybe Carl was in the bathroom. Michael peered through the front windows and tried the door handle for a third time. Still locked. He knocked again. Waited in case Carl was doing something upstairs, or was on the phone. He looked around. Saw Matthew sitting on the bench outside the pub, reading. Maybe Carl was having a drink, or talking with Paul. Michael found the pub empty except for the regulars at the bar. No one was eating lunch at this late stage in the day. He waved to Paul manning the taps then stepped back outside.
Waiting for your mum to finish work?
Matthew nodded and continued to inspect the Lego catalogue that had been included with his latest purchase.
She doesn’t usually work this late, does she?
Some pensioners came up in a bus to see the aqueduct, then stayed for lunch.
Oh, right. Michael turned back to the general store. You haven’t seen Carl around have you?
I think he’s gone into town.
Any idea when he might be back?
Matthew looked up from his catalogue. You shouldn’t buy things from Carl, you know. It isn’t right.
Really? Why do you say that?
You just shouldn’t, Matthew whispered. He isn’t very nice. He gets angry all the time.
Michael had little experience of talking with children, and quickly searched for an appropriate response. You know sometimes grown ups can have a lot on their minds and forget to be polite, he said as he sat beside Matthew to avoid appearing like an authority figure. Maybe you just caught Carl on a bad day. Try to give him another chance. I’m sure you’ll find he isn’t angry all the time.
Oh he isn’t angry with me. He’s nice to me. It’s Paul he’s angry with.
I see. Did Paul mention this to you?
No, Mum did. She says Carl isn’t always a good friend, but Paul keeps forgiving him.
Maybe your mum is just trying to make sure that Paul takes care of himself.
Like sitting on his stool behind the bar?
Exactly.
But Paul won’t do it anymore.
What do you mean?
He put it in the storeroom. He says that sitting on a stool all day makes him fat. But standing up all the time makes Paul’s legs swell up and hurt.
Michael realised that Matthew was just repeating what Penny had said in the privacy of their home. I don’t think you need to worry about Paul. He’s a grown-up. He can take care of himself.
But Mum says we need to take care of each other. We take care of Paul and Paul takes care of us.
Well she’s right, of course, but you shouldn’t say those things about Carl to anyone else. If he heard you say them it might hurt his feelings.
That’s what Mum said as well. She told me not to tell anyone.
Okay, well, good. Do as your mum says.
But I tell everyone I can.
Michael waited for Matthew to look up and see the seriousness of his expression. Well from now on I don’t think you should, okay?
The nine year old shrugged and returned to the pages of his catalogue.
Michael stood up to leave, but was reluctant to end their conversation on such a serious note. Sorry I haven’t been down for a Lego date yet. I’ve been busy trying to finish off some work. But when I see your mum next I’ll arrange a time so when we can get stuck into it. Okay?
Matthew looked up with a puzzled expression. You want to play Lego?
Of course I do. Remember, we said that we were going to build something together.
Matthew still looked perplexed. All right. But make sure you bring Michael as well, okay?