Chapter 2 - The Screen in the Living RoomShe expected surprise. Maybe gratitude. Instead, Martin broke into a grin. "Thank God we raised a daughter who actually knows how to use a ladder."
Elaine clapped her hands. "This is exactly why smart children pay off."
Audrey arrived before seven Friday morning. Daniel, her husband, came with her to help unload the truck. Together they pulled out the compressor, nail gun, extension ladders, safety harness, tarps, extension cords, and the rest of her equipment.
Daniel watched Audrey prepare with a concerned expression. "You call me immediately if you start feeling lightheaded."
Audrey smiled. "I'll be okay."
The first bundles of shingles weighed close to eighty pounds. Audrey carried them up herself. Hour after hour passed beneath the brutal July sun. By sunset, she'd removed the damaged section, replaced rotted plywood, installed synthetic underlayment, and laid fresh shingles across almost half the roof. Her gloves were black with tar. Her knees trembled whenever she stood.
When Audrey finally climbed down, she found her parents beneath the maple tree, eating cherries in folding lawn chairs.
"I need some water," Audrey panted.
"There's a pitcher in the refrigerator," Elaine smiled brightly.
Audrey went inside to shower upstairs. When she finished, she changed into clean clothes and started toward the staircase. Then she heard something from downstairsâheavy breathing coming through speakers.
Confused, she walked slowly toward the living room and froze outside the doorway.
Martin had connected his phone to the television. The giant screen showed Audrey on the roof, struggling beneath another bundle of shingles. Her face was red, her hair plastered to her forehead, every strained breath thundering through the speakers. Every moment she'd nearly lost her balance was captured.
Martin and Elaine were sitting comfortably on the couch. RachelâAudrey's younger sisterâwas lounging beside them with a bowl of popcorn. They were laughing.
A family group chat was displayed across the bottom of the television. Martin had posted another clip with the caption: "Look at this joke trying to prove she's useful."
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Replies appeared. Uncle Gary posted a cartoon raccoon in a hard hat. A cousin wrote: "HGTV... but make it tragic." Then Rachel added: "At least hire somebody attractive next time."
The room exploded with laughter. Audrey stood in the hallway listening, her heart turning to ice.
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