Mike: So, are you going to finish that novel?
Me: Yes, eventually.
Mike: Well, how much is left? Where are you at?
Me: Chapter 20 of Section 2.
Mike: (Gapes) Really?
Me: Wait a second. (I leave and return with the print-out of Section 1) Here it is.
Mike: That’s it?
Me: No, that’s just book one.
Mike: (Gapes again) Can I see it?
Me: No, you might read it.
Mike: Just let me see it!
Me: Okay, but no reading.
Mike: (Flips through it without reading.)
Me: So, yeah, I hope to finish it during leave.
Mike: You better not die and leave me with some 14,000 page Henry Darger manuscript.
