The Bench Facing the Wrong Way
Chapter 2 - Another kind of evidence
Martin spent a week observing the bench. Parents used the wall as a boundary while children played. An older man preferred the shade. Other walkers stopped, looked disappointed and continued toward the river.
He changed the petition into a request for a second bench, with photographs of both needs. The council replied that funding was limited. Martin suggested moving an unused bench from a path closed for repairs, if an inspection showed it was safe.
The park team checked the site and approved the move. Martin learned that a useful complaint required more than proving he was right. It required describing who else might also be right.
He invited the woman to help choose the position.
