Troy-Bilt 16″ Reel Mower

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Danielle wasn’t alarmed to find the package in her vestibule because she knew what it was right away. It was that Troy-Bilt 16″ Reel Mower, and it was terribly gift-wrapped, because Phil had no idea how to use tape and paper. But it was a gift for her dad, and she knew her dad wouldn’t care. He might even appreciate that Phil used only the sports pages.

Danielle hung her keys on the wall hook and shoved the Troy-Bilt 16″ Reel Mower out of her way. She’d pointed it out to Phil… ooo, months ago. They were still together then, sort of together. It was clear it wasn’t working but they still would… well, anyway, she hadn’t expected him to remember her father’s birthday coming up. Maybe it was that sort of tiny surprise that kept them together, as friends, even when everything else fell apart.

Anyway, her dad was going to love this. No gas, no electricity, just man and machine against the grass. The five cutting blades were hardened steel, and the 3-position height adjustable handle had a soft foam grip for comfort. Sure, it would be tiring, but a good kind of tiring, and Dad was all about exercise lately. She could just picture him getting up at sunrise on the weekends and quietly trimming the lawn without waking anyone, then sitting on the couch to watch the game without telling her mother what he’d done. He’d turn the sound up a little bit, very slowly over time, just to be sure she’d notice, just hoping she’d come out and say “Are you ever going to mow the lawn today?” And maybe she would notice, and maybe she wouldn’t, but that anticipation would be the real gift. Danielle knew it well, she herself had spent so many days just trying to feel like she was winning a fight with her mother. That was one of the reasons she was so quick to move into this apartment. She figured she’d rather deal with Phil than live at home again.

Danielle decided that maybe this weekend she would drive to visit her parents and give her dad the Troy-Bilt 16″ Reel Mower. Maybe she’d pick up an ice cream cake from the little place on the corner near the turn into their neighborhood. Maybe she’d even stay late just to make sure her dad had an extra-special party. But she wouldn’t stay the night. Because she’d have to get back so she could meet Phil for the brunch she was about to call him and suggest. She’d never admit it openly, but any guy who could remember what to get her dad for his birthday… well, he wouldn’t get to march right in through the relationship door. But maybe she’d let him try to find an unlocked window.

In the Box:

• (1) Troy-Bilt TBR16 16″ Reel Mower

Woot