Another Helicopter Liftoff Attempted

When we last convened, I was concerned about The Pony's whereabouts. I'd received no communication during the trip to the city to pick up a friend at the train station. Four hours had passed, and it's only an hour drive. I had been expecting a text, but refused to send one myself. You never know if The Pony might be in traffic. I didn't want any distractions.

I lay down for my nap before town. Of course my phone was next to me. At 4:18, I heard it buzz.

"Sorry. I didn't get a chance to text when I was picking her up! We're at [local Chinese restaurant] for dinner now!"

I replied with a thumbs-up, to acknowledge the knowledge, but not intrude upon The Pony's dinner. My purpose for wanna-be-helicoptering was the SAFETY of The Pony. Not nosiness.

Sis-Town was having a festival that day which blocked Main Street. I had discussed this with The Pony on Thursday while shopping.

"You know the streets will be blocked on Saturday. I don't know which way you're coming home, but keep that in mind. All of Main Street. You can't even go by the post office or Country Mart this time. It's a bigger detour."

"Really? I didn't know that."

"It's on the city's Facebook page. And the paper's Facebook page. With a map, and the times."

"I'll probably come in the back way to my house, when we get off the highway."

"Okay. But if you plan to get out..."

"Mom. I know all the streets, remember?"

Yeah. But The Pony sure wasn't aware of the closures before I mentioned them! Anyhoo... The Pony was back in town, so I wasn't worried anymore. Until...

I remembered that there would be a fireworks display at 9:00, at the top of Main Street. The Pony's house is two blocks away, and faces Main Street. At 6:55, I sent a text, saying that The Pony would have a good view from the front porch, if they wanted to see fireworks at 9:00. There was no response by 7:15. In fact, my text had not even been read.

OH NO! The Pony always answers my texts. Could something be wrong? I tried to keep my mind off the murder shows I watch every morning. Surely a visiting stranger would not do harm to my little Pony! 

Maybe The Pony's phone went dead after the trip to the city. Maybe it was on the charger, and The Pony didn't hear it. I doubt they were out in the car, sight-seeing. Because it was almost dark now. I really shouldn't bother The Pony, what with a guest being there... BUT WHAT IF THE GUEST WAS A MURDERER??? I was pretty sure everything was fine. But if I waited, they would miss the fireworks.

I called The Pony.

"Hello...?"

"I don't want to bother you, but I saw you didn't read my text."

"Oh. I didn't even hear my phone."

"Just wanted to say, there will be fireworks on Main Street at 9:00, if you want to watch from your porch."

"Maybe. I didn't know."

"Okay. That's it. I'll let you go. Don't want to bother you with company."

That's not so wrong, is it? I know it seems intrusive, but I didn't want The Pony to miss fireworks. Or be lying there murdered...