For years, Paul and his wife Susan had endured the constant annoyance of their neighbor Peter’s never-ending requests to borrow their belongings.
It seemed like every time Peter needed something, he’d simply wander over to their home and help himself.
“I’ve had it up to here with Peter’s shameless borrowing,” Paul grumbled one morning as he spotted the familiar figure approaching their front door. “But this time, I’ve got a foolproof plan to put a stop to his mooching ways.”
Susan simply rolled her eyes.
“You say that every time, dear. But Peter always finds a way to wiggle his way in. What makes you think this time will be any different?”
Paul flashed his wife a confident grin.
“Just watch and learn, my dear,” he replied smugly.
Moments later, the sound of Peter’s knock echoed through the entryway. Paul swung open the door, greeting his neighbor with an exaggerated expression of apology.
Peter dove straight into his request:
“Paul, any chance I can borrow your hedge trimmer today?”
Paul put his plan into motion – there’s no way Peter was going to walk away with his hedge trimmer!
“I’m terribly, terribly sorry, but the fact of the matter is I’ll be using my hedge trimmer all day today. Won’t be able to lend it to you, I’m afraid.”
Peter’s face rose with glee.
“Oh, is that so?” he replied, his cheerful demeanor quickly returning.
“Well, that’s a shame. In that case, you wouldn’t mind if I borrowed your golf clubs instead!”
