We were away. We got a call from our neighbor. She said, “I smell gas at your house.”

We negotiated entry codes, she called the requisite authorities and the gas company. They shut off the gas, determined the leak, fixed and replaced the meter and connections.

Kristina said, “You’re the best neighbor ever!”

The gas company put a lock on the meter and said, “Call us when you get back. We’ll come out and turn you on.”

We got back to a cold house and cold water.

It’s Sunday. We called the gas company to unlock the gas. A recorded message offered transfer to a live person. The transfer resulted in another recorded message.

Chaz said, “I don’t want to wait. I’m taking a shower.”

I said, “A cold shower.”

He said, “It should be refreshing.”

I shuddered.

I’m lazy. I’ll wait for the gas.