What happens when purpose quietly leaves the room.

There was always one on every street.

The old man who chased kids off his lawn.

Ball goes over the fence.

You hop to grab the ball.

BANG. Screen door flies open.

“OI! GET OFF MY PROPERTY!”

Old slip-ons half falling off.

Veins popping.

Probably a stained white singlet on.

Of course, kids don’t play ball in the street much anymore.

So, he has to redirect his energy.

These days he’s furious at the news, the council, electric cars, and the neighbour who puts the rubbish out too early.

How Grumpy Happens

Grumpy men are usually very certain about one thing.

They’re right.

And the world is wrong.

The world has gone soft.