Mike and Robin wandered across the town square, heading toward the green post office.
"Just give me a minute to get that mail," mike said.
"Be quick about it," said Robin. "Too many chores makes for a boring afternoon."
They stepped through the door into the musty dark office. It was a tiny room with wood shelves along the walls. Behind the counter was a
bored looking young man of around 25, and behind him were a couple dozen cubbies. Mike could see that just one cubby contained any
mail -- and it was the one with his new house's address.
"Hey, I'm Mike," he said to the clerk. The clerk, chin resting on his hand, raised an eyebrow. "Uh huh," he said.
"And I'm here to pick up my mail," mike went on.
"Yeah well I'm on break," said the clerk, not moving.
"Could I just ... It's one letter right behind you," said mike. "Would you please just hand it to me?"
"Nah," said the clerk.
Robin suddenly piped up. "Adam, are you being difficult?"
The clerk snapped to attention. "Robin!" He gasped. "I didn't see you -- I didn't know -- I mean --"
"You've been vey unhelpful," said robin. "I don't like running errands because they're not fun. I was willing to make an exception for my
new friend mike, though, because I like him."
"Aw, gee," said mike, not sure what was happening. Adam the clerk was backing away, looking absolutely terrified.
"I'm sorry robin," he said. "Please don't --"
"Mike, since Adam delayed us from having fun, I think we should have a little fun at his expense," said Robin. "What do you say?"
"I dunno ... Sure?" Said mike.
Robin laughed. "Good lad. Now, what'll it be?" He waved his hand at Adam and made a grabbing gesture. Adam squeaked in surprise as
he rose up off the ground, hovering a foot in the air. His arms and legs stretched out as though he was tied to a rack. Mike could see that
he was struggling against some force but was powerless to unbound himself from the invisible restraints.