A man named Bob took his car to the mechanic
for repairs. Bob ignored the signs posted in the garage that told
customers to keep out of the working area. He kept looking over the
mechanic’s shoulder, getting in the way. The mechanic had had a
rough day, and he was getting frustrated. Finally he took Bob by the
shoulder and led him out of the working area. He said, “Let’s play a
game.” He drew a circle on the floor with a piece of chalk and said,
“The rules of the game are that you stay inside this circle while I fix
your car. I’ll bet you can’t do it!” “It’s a deal,” said Bob. The
mechanic went back to the car, but before he went back to work, he
glanced up at Bob, who had a silly grin on his face. The mechanic
thought, “I’ve had it with this guy.” He felt like he had to relieve his
tension. So he picked up a sledgehammer and smashed it into the
fender of Bob’s car. He looked over at Bob, who was cracking up
with laughter, still inside the circle. That made the mechanic angrier
yet. He smashed the car two more times with the hammer, and
looked over again at Bob. Bob was doubled over with laughter, but
still inside the circle. The mechanic was furious with rage. He
started smashing Bob’s car all over with the hammer. Bob was
rolling on the floor and holding his sides from laughter, but still
inside the circle. The mechanic couldn’t believe it. He went over to
Bob and said, “Why are you laughing while I’m smashing your
car?” Bob got control of his laughter long enough to reply, “While
you weren’t looking, I stepped outside the circle three times!” |
