Arthur -- the Aardvark

I love the show Arthur on PBS. It is well written and true to life. Arthur tends to imagine how something really happened. Well, I am guilty of being that person who worries too much.

On the 4th of July I left the fireworks warehouse around 10:15pm. On the same block, a little ways away, I saw a grass fire (probably from irresponsible fireworks participants, which I sold to). I knew it was being reported because I saw a tow truck driver standing there on his cell phone. I also knew the fire station was just a block away. Then I wondered if I should have turned around and told the fireworks warehouse people. I didn't.

The worry set in.

"The parking lot guy will see it and warn everyone."

"It has to get to the houses first before it will get to the fireworks warehouse."

"First responders will get there in time to let everyone know."
"It is so dry, it is going to spread fast."

These are the thoughts that went through my mind. Then, what if that isn't what happens...

"I hope those houses have well watered lawns to protect them from fire."
"The fire department is sure to be at another fire. It is Independence Day with a burn ban!"
"Certainly the fireworks warehouse people had been warned."
"What if they didn't get a warning?"
"I hope everyone is okay?"
"What if they aren't"
"There is a gas station right next to the fireworks warehouse."
"Not good."
"No more fireworks warehouse sales for us."
"Imagine the fireworks warehouse on fire."

So then I go to bed with these thoughts in the back of my mind.

"I wonder how big the fire is now."
"Do they have it under control?"
"Did it get the houses and the trees and the fireworks warehouse?"

As I lay there trying to get some zeeeees, I hear a helicopter go over my house, past 11:00. My imagination goes again. "It has to be a helicopter to help take out fires with." It came back about 15-20 minutes later. "Yep, that is probably one of those helicopters." I worry.

The next morning I woke up and went straight to the television to see the news. Nothing. Not a single story about a fire. I went to the internet to check the local news stories. Nothing. Later that day, I made an excuse to go that direction, just to look at ground zero of my worries. I saw the burned grass. The burned area was no greater than the area of grass I saw burning. Obviously the fire department got there soon after I passed by.

My worries? Needless.

My peace of mind? Priceless.