Effective immediately, I am instituting a new family rule. Between the hours of 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, there shall be no noise exceeding 40 decibels. This includes chewing, breathing, and the existence of the television.
He grabs a roll of duct tape. He wraps a strip around his finger, creating a smooth surface. He tries again. The pencil slips completely.
He picks up the pencil again and starts sharpening it with deliberate care.
He grabs a fresh pencil. Raw. No tape. He writes furiously. His hand cramps. His handwriting devolves into a seismograph reading.
(Not looking up) Does it cost money?
