Binky Barnes had just walked up to his house, when he noticed something unusual; it was a completely different color.
"Huh?" Binky inspected the house with a confused look.
"You must be Binky!" A voice shouted.
Binky walked to the side of the house, where a brawny, but friendly looking, mastiff was standing on top of a ladder, wearing white overalls and a paintbrush in his paw.
"How come you're painting my house?" Binky asked.
"Oh, your mother said it was needing a new look. A dark blue. What do you think of it?"
Binky looked at the house a second time; he stuck his tongue out and scrunched up his face.
The house painter laughed heartily. "Well, I know it's looking more like a robin's egg right now. A couple more coats and some time to dry and it'll look great."
Mrs. Barnes emerged from the house, carrying a tray of lemonade. "Marty, I've brought you some fresh lemonade."
The house painter climbed down the ladder and wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Thanks, Mrs. B. It sure is hot today."
"It certainly is. Binky, I brought an extra glass for you."
"Great! I'm thirsty." Binky helped himself to the pitcher of lemonade.
"Well, the baby will be up from her nap soon. I'd best get back inside."
Mrs. Barnes returned inside, while Marty and Binky settled on the grass to drink their lemonade.
"You sure have a nice mom." Marty said.
"She's the best. She's a nurse at the hospital. She helps save lives."
"So she told me. What about you, Binky? I just moved here a few weeks ago, and I'm trying to get to know everybody."
Binky shrugged. "I go to Lakewood Elementary. It's okay for a school."
"Not much for homework, huh?"
"It's the worst! I just got into the fourth grade and it seems like everything has gotten harder."
Marty sipped his lemonade. "That's the way it is, Binky. Hey, I'm going to be working on your house for awhile, maybe sometime I can give you a hand."
Binky looked at Marty and raised his eyebrow. "Are you good at math?"
Marty smiled. "Always was my best subject."
"Gee, thanks Mr-"
"Just call me Marty. Everyone does."
"Okay, Marty."
Binky reached out to the shake Marty's paw, accidentally spilling his lemonade onto his lap.
"Oh no! These are brand new pants!" Binky groaned.
"Here. Let me help." Marty took a handkerchief out of his pocket and started to wipe away the lemonade that had spilled onto Binky's pant leg.
"Thanks Marty."
Marty looked up at Binky and smiled widely. "Always happy to help a new friend, Binky."