The Trailing Edge

Previous chapter “Madam, I am in need of pen and paper,” Ben asked me the next day. I went to the study and looked around, but none was to be found in drawers or cabinets. I couldn’t fathom where we might be storing it. I hadn’t thought about a quill and bottled ink since many weeks prior to Ben’s arrival. I looked at him. “Ben, we’ve showed you a lot of newer innovations. Would you be interested in trying out a pre-filled pen?” He gave a weak smile, to convey that he’d try anything once. So I went to my room and found a Bic, as well as a blank spiral-bound school notebook with perforated edges. “Yours,” I said, handing both to him as he sat waiting at the desk in the study. I showed him how the pen was already filled with ink, with the available amount clearly visible through the transparent barrel. I removed the pointed cap, refastened it to the other end, and scribbled on the back cover of the book to demonstrate. I then opened the book and pointed out the perforations, ...