ERIC THE ACCIDENTAL HERO

There was a knock on the side door which Mrs Solomon opened, feeling peeved and annoyed and she was afraid to be late for work, especially this morning with the planned meeting. She just could not be late today and did not want to be bothered with anyone at this time in the morning. Who would be knocking at the side door anyway she wondered, they would have to have walked through the garage. She hadn’t heard a car pull up either. Alvira knew none of the kids would bother to answer the door if they’d even heard it. From where she stood she could hear them arguing over the hair dryer and gel she’d thought she had hidden in a safe spot. The knocking continued and resigned to the fact she was going to be interrupted, she opened the door less than graciously. ‘Yes what is it?” She asked in a rush and impatient voice as she swung open the door and came face to face with a chimp. Yes it was definitely a chimp at her door with his paw outstretched to shake hers. “Mrs Soloman?” “Yes..That’s me!” She was shocked at first but remembering her manners she took the chimp’s paw and shook it. “I am from the agency” “The agency?” More puzzled than annoyed Alvira waited for the visitor to provide more information. The chimp hesitated and then decided to continue to explain his presence. “The agency I represent is for animal assistance in the home, your online enquiry suggested you needed help and so here I am at your service. I am Eric. .May I come in and explain?” “You’re a monkey and you talk” “Not just any monkey though. I have just arrived from the institution” “Oh no..Not the jail. I need someone to be a good role model not some helper released from a penitentiary.! And today I am sorry because I just don’t have a lot of time” “There is more than one type of institution and I am well trained for this position” “How do I know you aren’t a stalker?” “In any case Madam you’d be perfectly safe.” Alvira flinched at this remark, she was decidedly looking daggy in her football pyjamas and without her usual make-up as she heard the monkey explain further. Gathering her wits, she invited Eric in and sat down, more from surprise than anything else.