To whom it may concern

The once-proud front end of the Teller’s wood-panelled station wagon had bent and crumpled like a concertina mid-squeeze. Beneath the buckled hood, steam rose hissing from a cracked radiator. A steady trickle of black oil dripped onto the pale gravel driveway, forming a spreading pool around the stricken vehicle.

“I can explain,” said Marshall, attempting in vain to close the driver-side door behind him. Despite his best efforts, it continued to sag forlornly at half-mast, the hinges wrenched out of true.

Marilyn stood on the front steps, her hands to her mouth.

Edgar managed to force the passenger door open on the fourth try and half-climbed, half-staggered into the torn-up flower bed where the car had eventually come to rest.

“The important thing is that we survived,” added Marshall, his palms already up in a combined gesture of surrender and appeasement.

“What happened?” his mother demanded.

“Yes,” said Edgar, glaring at his son. “I think I’d like to hear this as well.”

“It wasn’t my fault,” said Marshall. “If people in this town would pick up after themselves, it would have been fine.”

“He swerved to miss a paper napkin,” said Edgar.

“I thought someone had run over a baby ghost!” Marshall protested.



Teller Family History

First Date by froodle, in which a young Edgar Teller shows off one of his earlier inventions

Popcorn by froodle. Friday night is always movie night in the Teller household.

The Teller Home for Displaced Youth by froodle, in which Edgar harbours some doubts about his new home town

Lawn by froodle, in which Marilyn Teller contemplaces some yardwork

Tornado Day, Revisited by froodle, in which Syndi learns exactly what it means to be Miss Tornado Day

Wildlife by froodle, in which Simon and Marshall go to the beach

Culinary Delights by froodle, in which Syndi's terrible cooking may or may not have been an accident

Camping by froodle, in which Syndi cannot sleep

Artist in the Family by froodle, in which an immortal creature takes a liking to Syndi

Without Due Care and Attention by froodle, in which Syndi finally becomes mobile

Waiting In by froodle, in which there is an ice-storm and a handyman does not arrive

Brunch by froodle, in which Marilyn does not appreciate Edgar's help in the kitchen

Handmade by froodle, in which the Tellers receive a Christmas package from Marilyn's mother

Poor Life Choices by froodle, in which Syndi loves her brother anyway

Lillian by froodle, in which Marilyn's mother has concerns

Visitor by froodle, in which Marshall's grandma comes to stay

Nap by froodle, in which Marshall has a quiet moment in the Secret Spot

Fresh Sheets by froodle

Tradition by froodle, in which Dash and Marshall decorate a Christmas tree

Hometown by froodle, in which Mars and Syndi visit New Jersey