The Hardyman

eks. One day not long after, Jack stood in the garage, cranking a come-along that was connected to a pulley that was attached to a ceiling beam that led to a nylon noose that was slung under the Hardyman's armpits. He was attempting to pull the machine to a standing position. He hoped, at the very least, the contraption and its load wouldn't pull the garage down on his head.

Slowly, Jack maneuvered the Hardyman until it loomed before him. A hard hat from work atop his head, Jack turned his back to the machine. Cautiously, he placed his feet onto the metal boot-plates. Carefully, he leaned his torso against its steel spine. Gently, he raised his head inside its mechanical frame. He strapped the safety-harness across his chest. He unclipped the pulley from the mid-section. He slid his arms into the oversized sleeves. He found the power-switch at his right hand. He inhaled deeply. He flipped the switch.

Around him, the Hardyman hummed to life. Smiling to himself, Jack stretched his arms out to his