Oh, poor Mark. Thrown into the fires of fate by reality, or at least by a diabolus ex machina (by the way, I like that fiery symbolism in panel 4. Good imagery!). We know that sometimes reality bites. And it sure looked like Mark was about ready to turn down Bill’s proposal, too. So sorry, Mark!

As for the cost of fixing or replacing a furnace, I reckon I’d have to know more before I could say that Cherry’s estimate had any accuracy behind it. And what is a small fortune to the Trails, anyway? It would be nice to get a professional estimate before making this decision, but I have the feeling that too much reality would ruin the point of putting Mark into the position of having to accept this assignment.