Merriton

“You did this for me?” Elvis and Tank were in Randy’s farmhouse looking at his computer spew Elvis’ flock information on the screen. Randy sat on the futon with Elvis’ laptop, installing his new database. “Well, I was kind of bored and I didn’t have anything better to do, so I took your backups and ported the database over to the PC. I was planning on helping you pick out a machine, but it looks like you did an excellent job of that on your own.”

“How’m I supposed to pay ya back, boy?! I paid Andrew in rides to town and I asked ‘im to do it in the first place. You just sit down ’cause you’re bored and do this for me? What’s the matter with you, son?!” Randy looked up from the laptop at Elvis. “What’s the matter with me? I thought you’d be happy.” Elvis stood up and Tank shrunk from him. “Of course, I’m happy. I don’t hafta learn all that new stuff. You made this work just like my old computer does. It’s perfect for me. Of course, I’m happy, but son, you’re not right. Doin’ somethin’ like this just ’cause you’re bored. You need a hobby or somethin’!”

Randy looked from Elvis to Tank, back to Elvis and then settled on Tank. The teenager shrugged his shoulders and pulled a little further away from Elvis. Randy finally spoke, “Elvis, this IS my hobby.” Elvis walked over to him and took away the laptop, carefully placing it on Randy’s desk. “Listen, boy. Sayin’ computerin’ is your hobby is like sayin’ Roscoe’s hobby is off-roadin’.” Tank laughed, but Randy was confused. “Roscoe?”

Tank added, “You know Roscoe. He’s the park ranger in this area. He mostly works on the mountain during the winter, but during the summer, he’s here…” Tank’s voice trailed off when Elvis sent him an angry look. Randy scanned his mind frantically trying to remember a park ranger. “That really tall guy who eats in Roasters every Wednesday?” Elvis faced him again. “You need to go up the mountain with Roscoe, son. There’s a reason that boy treats himself at Roasters every Wednesday.”