Got bi-monthly bill from Keyspan. Gas supplier. Opened. Read.

$800 charge. Read again.

Somewhere, heard someone make noises. Like an animal. Read it one more time. Noticed ‘reading ESTIMATED.’

Strange.

Who would estimate therms like that? Several times what they were before?

Only one thing could. A stupid gas company. It had to be stopped.

Walked downstairs. Read meter. Meter said 288, not 516. Called Keyspan.

Corrected them.

They said they’d send a new bill right over, sir. Hung up phone. Watched sun set. Shivered. Boiler not working either. Coincidence. Maybe. Rage, she is a warm mistress at your side.

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