As Gary drove into the neighborhood he was shocked to see the sign. The name of the town was spread across the plywood board, propped up at the side of the road. The date and time of the event were well placed and easy to read. It was clear that money would be raise by selling Bar-B-Q covered pig meat. The sign was very clear but there was something that just didn’t fit.
As he pulled into his street, Gary couldn’t get the sign out of his mind. A strong feeling of unease rose in his heart and mind. The volunteer fire department fund raiser suddenly seemed more menacing than inviting. And then it occurred to him. It was a surprising revelation and so obvious that he was shocked that he didn’t see it right away.
The sign was capped with the name of the town, in flames. Perhaps without thinking of the possible implications, someone in the fire department had decided to light this little town “on fire”. The offer for pulled pork came off less as an invitation for a great lunch and more of a threat to the entire population of his little burg.
Did the burning town moniker mean that his failure to purchase some barbecue would put his home at risk? Would some underfunded fire fighters show up at his door with a can of petrol and a pack of matches, asking him to buy a sandwich and a bag or chips, or ELSE? Was is just a simple mistake? Could it be that the fighters hired a recovering pyromaniac to produce their signs?
There was no good answer to his questions and as he drove past the local fire station, he decided it was important to stop and make a generous donation. There was no reason why he should put himself and his family in danger over a Saturday picnic lunch.
As he signed his name on the check and handed it to the curious fire fighter, he felt a deep sense of relief. He took a moment and circled his address, mentioning the blue trim and red front door that was obvious to all who passed by 202 N. Fenwick Drive. He repeated the street name and house number again with a little wink and a nod. It was a safety precaution. Preventative measures taken against any possible confusion in the face of future fires.
Climbing into his car, he knew that this Saturday’s Bar-B-Q lunch would taste better than any he’d ever had before.
