Occupation (Socks CDXC)

Fortune smiled on Lar, as Kyle put his feet on the floor.
“I didn’t know how to respond to that candy dish.”
“I know. What a stupid job. At least we keep the feet warm, a lot more useful than holding candy.”
Just as they began to yuck it up in earnest Kyle put his feet back up.
They resumed the former conversation, “What is your job?”
“I’m Lar, this is my brother Rar. We keep the feet warm. What’s your name?”
“Well, when I first got here Dan peeled a piece of paper from me and said ‘Maiden China.”

02:37 (Socks CDLXXXIX)

The crowd got noisy extolling a hooking penalty, waking up Kyle.
“Wow. How much did I miss?”
“There’s about seventeen and a half minutes left in the second.”
“What’s the score?”
“Tied. One, one.”
The people settled in to watch the game, likewise the objects.
During the second period Kyle put his feet back on the floor. The conversation had to stop until Kyle put his feet back on the coffee table.
Lar still wondered, “You never told me what you do besides watch TV.”
“I hold the candy.”
Lar was not impressed, it seemed like a do nothing job.

Nap (Socks CDLXXXVIII)

“Dr. Phil also makes people that fight live in a house together.”
“That sounds mean.”
“Not at all. He talks to them, and helps them work out their problems.”
“And they don’t fight any more?”
“Who knows? Most times once they leave the Dr. Phil house, you don’t see them for a long time.”
Rar spoke up, “I know a couple that could use Dr. Phil.”
The candy dish interjected, “Shhh, second period is starting.”
Kyle’s foot twitched.
Sophie came in, “How long has he been sleeping?”
“I don’t know, I just woke up myself.”
“My dad, the hockey fan.”

New Program (Socks CDLXXXVII)

During the first intermission the conversation moved away from the rules of the game.
“Just what is your job, besides hanging around on the coffee table and watching hockey?”
“I watch other stuff too.”
“Like?”
“Like basketball, football, and Dr. Phil.”
“We know about basketball and football from Grunter, but what kind of game is Dr. Phil?”
“It’s not a game it’s a who. He tries to help people.”
“How?”
“He says that it’s time to get real.”
“How does that help?”
“He also says that you can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.”
“I don’t get it.”
“Most people don’t.”

New Game (Socks CDLXXXVI)

Kyle put his feet on the coffee table, this allowed the brothers to watch the game, they didn’t understand the rules.
Lar stuck up a conversation with the candy dish, who had watched hockey since coming in the house.
“The idea is to get the puck into the net.”
“The net? Is that like nothing but net?”
“Different game.”
“Fuzzy played tennis, but he wanted to stay out of the net.”
“Will you pay attention?”
“I’m trying to get the idea.”
“OK. Watch when the players get close to the goalie…”
“The what?”
“The guy in front of the net.”

Game On (Socks CDLXXXV)

“No, I just meant…”
“Kyle. My dad’s not really that dumb, he just likes to act like he is.”
Dan laughed, Kyle laughed, Sophie sighed, and her mother shooed the men out of the kitchen, “Go watch the game. There’s only room for two in here.”
“What was I thinking? Face off was ten minutes ago.”
Kyle and Dan went into the living room, “Should be a good game, the Ducks are tough.”
“Last year was a shame.”
“Yea, anyone except the Ducks.”
“I wish Ottawa would have won.”
The TV powered up, “Scoreless, good.”
“Put your feet up, Kyle.”

The Meal (Socks CDLXXXIV)

All four people sat at the table. Lar and Rar were both soothed by the familiar scene under the table.
“We’ve had some good times under the table, haven’t we brother?”
They talked about those good times, which led to some of the times that weren’t so good.
“I hope this guy doesn’t spill beer on us, or worse.”
After the meal everyone carried an item or two into the kitchen.
“Thanks Kyle. You didn’t have to help clear the table.”
“I just saw everybody else grab something, and, well, I guess, ’when in Rome..”
“Rome? We’re not even Italian.”