Wait Just A Minute
"Hey Shortman! Home already?" Phil excitedly greeted his grandson whom he saw walking into the kitchen.
"Yeah, Gerald's got too much homework to see the movie. I guess we'll just have to see it next weekend." Arnold sighed, as he sat down at the table.
"You'd be surprised at what good can come from waiting shortman!"
"What do you mean?"
"When I was your age, I had to wait in the lunch line behind fifty people and pray that there would still be some chocolate pudding by the time I reached the end of the line. Every time I made it to the end of the line, your grandma would jump in front of me to steal the last cup." Phil began to explain, while Arnold thought about how similar that was to him and Helga.
"One day I decided I was going to cut in line. I made it to the end to see one chocolate pudding left. I could tell just by the look of it, it wasn't the freshest cup. I was too excited to care though. A few minutes after I ate it, I ran for the restroom!"
Arnold continued to listen, while Phil seemed to be getting a kick out of his own story.
"When I made it back to the cafeteria, I saw a whole new tray of pudding cups had been set out for the line!" Phil exclaimed, still amazed by what had happened.
"So you're saying I should just be patient."
"That or prepare yourself for the worst." the elderly man shrugged his shoulders, not knowing what other option there could be.
"Like what?"
"Oh let's see, tickets being sold out, the movie being a big disappointment, the snack stand being closed, your cranky friend with the big pink bow and the one eyebrow having a seat right beside you…."
"Thanks grandpa." Arnold sighed, as he stood up from the table to head for his room.
Phil waved, happy to have another helpful story for his troubled grandson and said "Don't mention it shortman."