The man picked up his tools and stood to leave.
The little girl at his feet walked briskly to keep up.

- why are you leaving?
Job needs doing.
- yes but why you?
Doesn't have to be.
- then why do it?
No one else is.
- why not ask someone?
They'll do things they want to do.
- not if you don't ask!
Then they don't want to.
- how do you know?
Because they aren't doing it.
- they might if you ask!
Not well.
- aren't you upset no one else is helping?
No.
- why!?
I do things I want to do.

The little girl sighed, exasperated.

- must you always do things the hardest way?
There is only one way.

—fifteen january twothousandtwentyfive