Carl and Frank sat at the table talking about what they were going to purchase for their parents for Christmas.
They had only been talking for a few minutes, when they heard a strange sound coming from the basement.
Carl and Frank opened the door, and announced it was coming from the furnace. They ran over and the noise was coming from the furnace. Even before they could say anything, Carol had her phone in hand, and she was calling the Heating & Air Conditioning business. They knew they had a concern with the furnace last year, but Carol and Frank didn’t take it seriously. The Heating & Air Conditioning professional had mentioned something about buying a modern furnace, but they didn’t have the cash. Here Carol and Frank were, in the middle of winter, and their furnace was acting up. Christmas was only three afternoons away and they worried they would need to make the choice between buying gifts, or getting a new furnace. When she hung up, Carol said the Heating & Air Conditioning professional would be at the house later that afternoon. Neither Carol or Frank had the day off, so they had to take time off so someone would be home for the Heating & Air Conditioning professional. While waiting for the Heating & Air Conditioning professional, they were doing some extreme calculations. Carol and Frank were trying to decide if they could afford a new furnace right now. As much as they hoped their furnace would last for the rest of the winter, they were doubtful, and needed a game plan. By the time the Heating & Air Conditioning professional arrived, they had all the figures, and knew that whatever she said needed done, they would be able to swing it and still buy Christmas presents.