This is a short story in, 690 words.
It was prompted by the above photo, seen on Sue Judd’s blog. https://suejudd.com/
Ellen thought it was high time the front door was painted. She couldn’t remember when it was that Norman had done it last. Some years before he died, that was for sure. She had never liked the sickly cream colour he had used, but he had half a tin left in the shed, and said it would save money. The door always looked dirty after that, with rain splashes and scuffs standing out clearly on the light colour. But she didn’t have the heart to complain, not even about the brush marks that were so apparent when the light was on it.
As she watered the plants that morning, she decided that now was the time to brighten it up. The walk to the High Street seemed to take much longer than it used to, but she liked to give her business to the local shops. Henderson’s Hardware had been there since before they moved to thr district, and after the old man had died, his son had taken it over. Norman used to say, ‘They have everything in that shop. Anything you need”. The young man behind the counter gave her a friendly smile, as she told him what she needed. “Something bright and colourful. But it must be hard-wearing, as it will be on the front door you see”.
He showed her what they had in stock, and she shook her head at the selection available. Unable to decide, she took some colour charts away, with the young man assuring her they could get anything she needed very quickly. After going through them all at home, Ellen chose her two favourites, and took them outside to look at them against the door in the light. Nodding to confirm her choice, she spoke out loud. “Poppy Red. That’s the one”.
The local free paper arrived the next day, and she looked at the advertisements for painters and decorators. Choosing one with a box around the ad, and a local phone number, she made the call. The young man had a friendly tone to his voice, and told her he could paint her door easily. He said he would pop round tomorrow, and give her a price for the job. He arrived on time, and Ellen showed him the colour chart. “Poppy Red, like this one. You can get it from Henderson’s”. He nodded, and told her he could get a good deal for trade but would need the money first, in case she changed her mind, and he got stuck with the paint. That seemed fair enough to her, so she handed over the cash.
On the Friday, he turned up as arranged. Ellen made him a cup of tea as he got ready. “Two sugars please, and don’t forget not to come out through the door”. She nodded, wondering if she thought being old also made her stupid. Two hours later, he knocked on the door. Ellen opened it to find a strange pinkish colour paint on the door. She pulled a face. “That doesn’t look right to me”. The man smiled. “It’s not finished yet, love. That’s only the first coat. I will come back on Monday when this has dried, rub it down, and get the second coat on. Don’t worry, it will look lovely. But can you give me the money for some more paint, as that one tin won’t be enough? And can you pay me for what I have done today too please?” Ellen set her lip. “Are you sure that’s Poppy Red? Doesn’t look like the one on the chart to me”.
He laughed at her, shaking his head. His reply made her feel silly. “It’s the old colour underneath, ain’t it? It’s not going to look like the one on the chart until the second coat goes on, is it?” Fetching her purse, Ellen handed over the money. Picking up the paint and brushes, he waved as he walked away. “See you Monday”.
As she watered the plants, the dustcart was at the end of the street. That meant it must be Thursday.
And the young man still hadn’t come back to finish the door.
Love this story, Pete! The truth behind some great deal. 😉 But she got it painted. 😉 Best wishes, Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sadly, old people are often scammed like this here.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
A good story, Pete! I always enjoy your photo prompts. Best to you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Jennie. So many old people here get conned by bad tradesmen.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. It’s sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Should have stuck with Henderson’s.
Mind you paying for an advert in the paper to con people is hopefully the undoing of this not so particular painter 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not if he is not who he says he is, and just changes his number. Of course, this is set some time ago, before he could have been ‘tracked down’ on social media. Newspapers never took any responsibility then. They could ban an ad if it received complaints, but when the name changed, they didn’t check. 🙂
Cheers, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never pay up front! Aaargh, poor Ellen
LikeLiked by 2 people
She learned the hard way, Sue.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well done with the image!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sue. It wasn’t as ‘easy’ this time. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
But you did a good job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, “nadenggoy” in Tagalog. That young man is a fake.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, just a con-man.
Thanks, Arlene.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
☹😕☹
LikeLiked by 1 person
ouch! poor Ellen; she was too trusting. lovely story and a great lesson! thanks, Pete 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
She was indeed. Thanks, Wilma.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
Poor Ellen. Some people need a kick in the pants.
LikeLiked by 2 people
There are so many unscrupulous people all too happy to prey on the elderly.
Thanks, Lauren.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ellen was too trusting. Maybe he charmed her. Never pay in full until you’re satisfied with a job well done. 😳
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ellen had little experience with tradesmen. She used to rely on Norman. She doesn’t expect local people to cheat her either. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m sure she learned her lesson. 🙏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, I don’t mind paying half, but as soon as you wrote he wanted it all, I knew what was coming. It’s a great color, by the way, the door. Just not next to the brick…
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s not the colour Ellen wanted though. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear. Like others have said: never pay before you see the finished prod.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oops. Product.
LikeLiked by 1 person
People from some generations still tend to be more trusting. Especially when the tradesman is ‘local’. They make easy targets for the bad apples.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have no patience for those who prey on the kind and the elderly. So sad that the silver lining of finally getting the door the color she wanted was stripped from her. Yes, even that.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hear so many similar stories in real-life, Pam. That’s why the idea came to me immediately I saw the photo.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well written story, Pete. But sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, but she has the phone number and the Weekley to report his “conduct.” Warmest regards, Theo
LikeLiked by 2 people
She does. As long as he doesn’t change his number, and the name of his business. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never give ’em the money first!
🙂
Besties
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s my mantra, Frank. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
Never pay up front!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Golden rule!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Ellen!! This colour would not be my first choice for sure. 🙂
A wonderful write up, Pete.
Best wishes to you and Ollie from the very foggy coast. xxxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks very much, Dina.
Love from Beetley, Pete and Ollie. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
I happen to recall that Niccolò di Montachiesa favors Poppy Red.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Keep the plugs coming, David. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully, he will come unstuck soon enough! Someone will teach him a lesson…
LikeLiked by 3 people
We can only hope so.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately, scammers like to take advantage of the elderly. Not cool.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It happens all the time, Jacquie. Sadly.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw shucks. She got taken. Never pay in advance. 😏
LikeLiked by 4 people
She did indeed, Susanne. Poor Ellen! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He ran away because he had painted the wrong color 😃😃 He knew😃
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yes, and because he had taken the money for a bad job deliberately. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person