2813. Lamp unplugged © Bruce Goodman 13 August 2023

For several years Herman had admired the lamp Stanley had sitting on a shelf in his dining room. It was never used. It was never plugged into a socket. It simply sat there in a state of non-use. To be ruthlessly honest, Stanley was sick of Herman hinting that he wanted it. “That would be a perfect lamp for my bedside table,” declared Herman to Stanley. The two had never really got on, but somehow they were first cousins once or twice removed and occasionally did their family duty with a visitation. “It was our Aunt Jennifer’s,” said Stanley. “It belongs in the family. Take it! I never use it. It should be of some use.” Herman took the lamp. When he plugged it in at home he was electrocuted. Dead. “Now you know why I never used it,” said Stanley. Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story