[Vernon is taking his practice state math test beside me. I've been sitting by him for an hour, reading each question and answer choice. While he works on a problem, I lean back in my chair and crack my knuckles.]

Vernon: Ewww! That's nasty! You gonna get arthur-rita.

Me: Arthritis? Hmmm, maybe. But I love popping my fingers, and I've been doing it since I was a little kid.

[Vernon looks at me. He imagines his Reading teacher as a little kid so very long ago.]

Vernon: Dang, then. You a survivor.