"And now…we just connect this plug to the extension cord and….VOILA! Christmas!" Jon Arbuckle held up the two connecting pieces, a big goofy sentimental grin on his face. Garfield and Odie sat side by side watching him. The little dog, as usual, was wagging his tail in excitement, probably due more to the excitement in the air than any real understanding of what was going on. Garfield's expression was more that of yeah, get on with it so we can have Christmas cookies already. He had a candy cane in each hand, alternating licking both. Liz was perched on the edge of the couch, hands clasped in front of her, looking at Jon as if he hung the moon and the stars. Which, technically, he just had; both were represented on the tree as ornaments.
"Aaaaand, without further adieu…." Jon plugged the strand of LED Christmas lights in and they turned on, bright and brilliant.
For all of two seconds.
VOOOOOOM….. The lights went out, leaving everyone in midday-winter darkness.
"Oopsie." Jon muttered, face flushed. Adieu, Garfield echoed. "I gotta go check the fusebox." Jon dropped the extension cord and trotted down the stairs. Liz settled back against the couch cushions, eyes closed. Odie climbed up on the couch beside her, barking, while Garfield continued to lazily lick his candy canes.
ZAP! "ARGH!" Everybody jumped as a bright flash of light lit the hallway. As their heart rates returned to normal, they heard a slow shuffle step up the stairs. A smoky, frazzled Jon walked into the room, eyes bugged out. He raised his index finger. "I gotta go check the fusebox," he muttered, turning around and heading for the basement again. Nobody moved, still trying to take it in.
A few seconds later, ZAP! "ARGH!" and another flash of light, followed by a crash. This followed a minute later by slower, clumsier steps. An even more rattled Jon stumbled in, dazed and confused. His eyes widened. "I – I gonna go an – go an' check the fusebox…" He lumbered down the stairs, bumping into the sides of the railing. Liz shared a concerned look with Garfield. Odie just whined.
ZAAAAP! "ARGH!" Light. Stumble, thump, thud, clomp clomp clomp tumble. Jon reappeared, singed from head to toe. His hair stood up on end, his clothes were burnt and he had a vacant stare in his eyes. He smiled goofily and mumbled…."Nuh-nuh-now where was-Iyuh goin' to ag'in?"
Liz covered her mouth, concern widening her eyes. Odie covered his, ears limp. Garfield pointed upwards with one toe, as though it were an index finger. I know! To check the fusebox! Liz shot a glare over at him, as though she knew exactly what he was thinking. She jumped up from the couch and took Jon by the hand. "To the emergency room, that's where…."