The Trailing Edge

                                 Previous chapter The next day was busy, as we knew it would be. Ben handled the lice issue with as much equanimity as he did everything else, and of course he was well aware of the problem. He apologized for having brought an old worn-out comb with him and asked if we might get him a newer one when Trevor went to the store. He showed us his lovely comb, carved from ivory. As one, we stood with our hands behind our backs, refusing to touch it.  Warren had decided to go to the store with Trevor, since a supermarket was right next to the drugstore and we now had a fairly sizable shopping list anyway. The guys thought I could soften Ben up on the subject of present day cleanliness standards, promising to take a more “hands-on” approach with him once they got back. I smiled inwardly, trying and failing to picture my two post-doctoral buddies becoming strong-arm...

Published by Vol-E elsewhere, a long time ago _______________________________________ I am reading a paperback book that I got on eBay. I got it for about a quarter, but the shipping was about 20 times that much. This book is barely holding itself together. Frankly, the condition is a disgrace. The front cover has the title cut off, the pages look water-stained, and from the appearance of the corners, I can only surmise that the paper was...chewed...by something. It's a good book, so I'll continue reading it, but will probably chuck it out when I'm done. It's embarrassing to even have it in my home where people can see it. And I'd sooner have my fingernails pulled out than even think about listing it for sale on eBay. Even for a penny, with free shipping. I guess it's a matter of pride. If someone bought this book from me, they'd take it out of the envelope and draw all manner of conclusions about me -- none of them...