Episode 111 • Hands

My hands are tied
Have your hands full
Not lift a finger
Twiddle your thumbs
Can't put your finger on it
Story
[Phone ringing]
Mary: Hi Jimmy.
Jimmy: Hello, Mary. I called your husband but he won’t pick up. Any news on that lot?
Mary: I’m sorry, Jimmy. We can’t sell it yet. The bank won’t let us. We wish we could help you but our hands are tied.
Jimmy: Oh, no worries. I’ll find a way. How’s it going by the way?
Mary: Oh, you know. Good, good. Just over here working in the field as every summer.
Jimmy: You keeping busy or what?
Mary: Well, you know me. I always got my hands full, I’ve got a business to run, plus we’re redoing the house… oh, and my grandson’s here for the summer.
Jimmy: Oh, nice. Jack is there? Wait, was it Jack?
Mary: It’s Jacob. Yeah, he’s here alright. He’ll be spending the summer with me. Only I wish he would help his grandma. But no, he’s just sitting out there in the middle of the tomato field doing heaven knows what! He can see me working here and yet he sits there without lifting a finger.
Jimmy: Oh, come on, Mary, he’s a kid.
Mary: Listen, when I was his age, I couldn’t spend my summers twiddling my thumbs, my dad would’ve never let me. If I wasn’t working, I had to study and when I was done studying, I had to help him with the farm. I’m telling you! If I were his mother… but you know. I’m just his grandma. Unbelievable… kids these days… I mean, he did help me the first few days he was here. I guess he’s done now…
Jimmy: Maybe he’s not feeling well or something.
Mary: Well, now that you mention it… there is something strange about him today. I can’t put my finger on it but yeah, he doesn’t look alright. I mean, he hasn’t moved all morning, maybe I should go check on-
Jacob: Hey grandma, I’m done with the chickens, do you want me to clean the barn?
Mary: Ja- Jacob? What-? If you’re here, then who’s that?
Jacob: Grandma, that’s a scarecrow. It’s been there all summer.
Mary: Oh Lord!