The housewife answered the phone and
listened with relief to the voice in her ear. "How are you, dear? What kind of day
are you having?"
"Oh, mom, the baby won't eat, the
washing machine is broke, I've not been able to get out of the house to shop, I twisted my
ankle and have been hobbling around. On top of that, the house is a mess and we're
supposed to have two couples over for dinner tonight."
"Now dear, just stay calm. Sit down,
relax, close your eyes, and I'll be over in 1/2 hour. I'll do the shopping, clean up the
house, and cook your dinner for you. I'll take care of the baby when I get there and call
a repairman I know who'll get the washing machine fixed. In fact, I'll call George at the
office and tell him he ought to come home and help out for once."
"George? Who's George?"
"Why, that's your husband, dear."
"Mom, I don't have a husband."
"Is this 234-5678?"
"Uh, no, it's not. I think you have a
wrong number." The housewife paused. "Uhhh, does this mean you're not coming
over?"
