Sweet Melon Revenge

While turning the other cheek may be virtuous, revenge is often more satisfying. Such was the case when we outsmarted Gravy Chin. His real name was Chester Kestler, and he grew produce, including watermelons, for local markets. Every feature about this tall, gangly, long-necked, slope-shouldered, ill-tempered farmer was asymmetrical, especially his chin. Like a sockeye salmon’s lower jaw, it projected out and up. We called him Gravy Chin because the prominent protuberance perpetually glistened with a patina of paste not unlike gravy grease.