You Never Listen!

"Look, it's really simple and I can't keep explaining it to you, I won't be here forever, you know!"

"I know, but its-"

"Just a light. I know what you're going to say, but it's about the bigger picture Mark. You can't have everyone do everything for you your whole life."

"I didn't ask you to do this, I was going to-"

"Hire an electrician, I know. I don't understand why you'd waste your hard earned money when you could do it yourself... after your father left I did everything."

"You did everything because we didn't have money to hire people-"

"Yes, well just because you can doesn't mean you should. Honestly, you're too old to- careful!"

"Sorry, mum."

"... you're too old to be this helpless. I raised you to do things for yourself."

"You did everything,"

"I know! I remember - watch the ladder, and hand me up that screwdriver."

"Here. Look, mum I appreciate-"

"I remember it. I made a good example for you, I showed you how easy it is to just get up and do things that need done."

"Right, but-"

"This is the wrong screwdriver, I need a flathead."

"You didn't say you needed a flathead."

"I would have thought it was obvious, Mark."

"You just pointed!"

"Yes, at the flathead... look... just give it here. If I had your money and time, I would have been unstoppable. I just don't understand how a groqn man can be so careless with his money."

"Right..."

"And don't get me started on Jenny, that woman-"

"My wife."

"That woman does nothing."

"Well, she has a job. And we have three children... you know I don't like it when you talk about her like this."

"Are you watching what I'm doing?"

"Yes Mum, look I need to you go easier on Jen-."

"I won't be doing this again for you, just watch - and hold the ladder steady! Keep an eye on your hands!"

"I can't watch you and my hands, mum. I'm not a chameleon."

"This is the wrong screw, too. You never listen. Honestly if I had a penny for every time I had to redo something you've done I would be able to pay for an electrician for you!"

"..."

"Mark? Are you listening?"

"Yes, I am, but you're not."

"Don't be ridiculous. I always listen to you. I've spent your whole life listening to you and look where its got me! Up a ladder at my age replacing a light fitting because you can't do it yourself!"

"Mum, I'm not doing this right now. I didn't ask you to do this, Jenny was going to hire a-"

"Oh yes, I'm sure she was. why isn't she up this ladder doing this?"

"Because you-"

"Because she's lazy and spoiled that's why!"

"She had a c-section four weeks ago!"

"... well you don't need to shout. I forgot, thats all."

"You forgot that we had a third child four weeks ago?"

"Don't take that tone with me - the least you could do is show some gratitude for everything I do... it's not like either of you put up shelves or change fuses around here-"

"Mum if you keep-"

"-and don't get me started on the cars! Honestly, why neither of you can change a spark plug i'll never know its a ridiculous amount of money to spend for convenience... well, this is done. Here, take this for a moment."

"..."

"Mark are you still holding that ladder...? Mark?"