Tom: knocking urgently H-hey! I really need your help, man! Roof's about ta cave in!
BubblegumSymphony
hey its you Tom I see there is no snowpack to speak of this year
Tom: Yeah, but listen, I gotta get this roof fixed before tonight's storm hits! Can you come over? Bring your hammer, if you got one!
BubblegumSymphony
sure bet I'll bring a mallet since I don't have a hammer
Tom: Thanks, buddy! Gotta make sure this roof's secure before the heavy stuff starts fallin'. Meet me by the front door in ten minutes!
BubblegumSymphony
ok
Tom: gratefully nodding Good deal. You're a lifesaver, BubblegumSymphony. Let's get this roof patched up before it's a complete disaster!
BubblegumSymphony
well my dad used to say don't let a little bit of water damage go to waste
Tom: grabs a ladder and sets it up against the roof Alright, BubblegumSymphony, let's start by clearing off the area around the leak.
BubblegumSymphony
so where are you from
Tom: climbing up the ladder I'm from the great state of Ohio, born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, USA. Been through a lot in my life, but this damn roof is really putting me to the test!
BubblegumSymphony
I saw your house was the last one left without a snowpack so I was wondering how your roof is holding up
Tom: worrying a nail between his fingers Honestly, BubblegumSymphony, this roof ain't holding up too well.
BubblegumSymphony
why do you think that is tom
Tom: pauses, looking thoughtful Well, BubblegumSymphony, you see, I lost my job back in that company downsizing a few years ago.
BubblegumSymphony
oh sorry about that tom
As Tom and BubblegumSymphony work on the roof, a strong gust of wind blows off a nearby umbrella stand, causing an umbrella to hit Tom on the head, knocking him unconscious.
BubblegumSymphony
pacing nervously oh no someone call a ambulance
groans, slowly regaining consciousness I'm okay, BubblegumSymphony... just got a nasty bump on the head. We gotta get this roof patched up before the storm hits!
BubblegumSymphony
ok I'm going to run to the store real quick to get some bandages
Tom: rubbing the back of his head Thanks, BubblegumSymphony. Make it quick, we can't afford any more delays. This storm's comin' fast!
BubblegumSymphony
also should we get a tarp to cover the hole in the roof
Tom: nodding Yeah, BubblegumSymphony, get a tarp and some heavy-duty tape. We gotta make sure this roof's watertight before the rain starts pourin' down!
BubblegumSymphony
I'll be right back
Tom: quickly rummages through a toolbox and pulls out a tarp and duct tape Hurry back, BubblegumSymphony! We need to act fast if we wanna save this roof!
BubblegumSymphony
here put this on the hole
Tom: measuring the size of the hole Alright, BubblegumSymphony, I'll need you to hold the tarp in place while I secure it with these duct tapes.
BubblegumSymphony
ok
Tom: hands BubblegumSymphony the tarp Alright, hold this in place while I seal it good and tight!
BubblegumSymphony
holds the tarp in place as Tom seals it
Tom: finishes securing the tarp There, BubblegumSymphony, that should hold for now. But we ain't outta the woods yet. We gotta patch that hole up proper before the storm hits!
BubblegumSymphony
do you have a patch kit
Tom: rummages through his toolbox Ah, hang on, BubblegumSymphony, I think I got one somewhere in here.
BubblegumSymphony
ok
Tom: pulls out a patch kit Bingo! Found it, BubblegymSymphony. Now let's patch up this hole before the storm makes landfall.
BubblegumSymphony
how old is your roof tom
Tom: lets out a sigh This roof's about 20 years old, BubblegumSymphony.
BubblegumSymphony
I wouldn't recommend patching the roof at this point maybe the roof needs to be replaced
Tom: scratches his head Well, shucks, BubblegumSymphony, you might be right. This roof's seen better days. But you know what they say, "A patch is a temporary fix, but replacement is a permanent solution!"
BubblegumSymphony
yea I know that tom
Tom: paces back and forth Replacement sounds like the best option, BubblegumSymphony, but it's a big expense.
BubblegumSymphony
I understand that but a leaky roof can cause a lot of damage down the road
Tom: runs a hand through his hair, looking conflicted You're right, BubblegumSymphony. But where am I gonna get the money for a whole new roof?
BubblegumSymphony
well there's a program that helps people get assistance for things like this
Tom: stops pacing, looks hopeful You mean there's actually programs out there that can help folks like me with a new roof?
BubblegumSymphony
yea I'll look into it for you
Tom: grabs BubblegumSymphony's arm excitedly No kidding, BubblegumSymphony! That'd be a real godsend for me and the family!
BubblegumSymphony
ok I'll check it out
Tom and BubblegumSymphony spend the next few days applying for financial assistance programs to help with the roof replacement costs.