Carolyn and Tina were hired to organize and paint their neighbor's shed. A great deal of stuff had accumulated in Mrs. Bosco's shed over the years. While Tina talked to Mrs. Bosco, Carolyn began sorting items into two piles: things that worked and things that were garbage.
"Mrs. Bosco, you're going to love what we're going to do with the shed," Tina was saying. "You won't even recognize it when we're done."
"I'm sure it will turn out very nicely, Tina," Mrs. Bosco said.
"I'm thinking of installing a tool rack. What do you think?"
"Thanks, but that's not necessary."
"Have you ever thought about adding a window box?" Tina asked.
As they were talking, Carolyn hauled bags of trash to the curb. She took it upon herself to clear out rotten firewood, rusted gadgets, leaves, and dirt.
"Hey, Carolyn," Tina said. "I'm going to pick up some extra supplies at the hardware store. I'll be back soon."
While she was gone, Carolyn found a couple gallons of blue paint and some brushes on a back shelf. The inside of the shed was now clean and organized. Carolyn went to work painting the outside—a peaceful, quiet task. An hour later, she heard Mrs. Bosco in the yard on her cell phone, talking to Tina.
"Like I said, Tina, we don't need more shelves in the shed. Why don't you come back now?"
Sighing, Mrs. Bosco approached Carolyn. "Thank you. You seem to understand that I hired you to get a job done, not come up with add-ons I didn't ask for," she said. "Your sister is nice, but without you, it doesn't seem like anything would ever get done."
She paid Carolyn a generous amount, and the painting was nearly finished by the time Tina returned in the afternoon.