Mario’s Quick Thinking
As Told by Terry MacDonald
Mario was the bass player on a steady gig I used to play. Mario was a quiet kind of guy who never gave any sign there was much adventure, let alone mischief, in his life. But one particular Saturday night, I’m not sure what went on after the gig, but Mario didn’t get home until very, very late. Here’s what he told us.

As he arrived at home in the early-morning hours, Mario shut off his car engine just as he hit the driveway, gliding in silently for the last short leg of the trip. Removing his shoes before climbing the stairs, he tip-toed into the bedroom as quietly as he possibly could. Slowly, carefully, he began removing his pants and shirt. Halfway through the process, though, even as quiet as he was, his wife woke up. Improvising quickly, Mario reversed the process and began to pull his pants back up.

“What time is it?” she asked.

“Oh, ah... a little after 5:30. I thought we might go to the early mass.”