You know that’s not true.

I’ve never inadvertently hurt anyone.

I really should get some good reading glasses.

Having said that, I note the headline in later editions was changed to, “Twisters Devastate Midwest.” I wonder if that’s because the publishers received complaints from other readers with poor eyesight, or did they bow to pressure from the powerful Tomato Anti-defamation League?

Why this is I do not know; it’s probably because I’m not that observant. Or, more probably, because plain sight isn’t.

“Don’t worry,” I said, “my cash flow’s fine. And anyway, owing me money is a good way of ensuring that I’ll never forget you.”

Rhonda thought my remark was clever. It was, but it wasn’t my remark; I appropriated it from Oscar Wilde. “It is only by not paying one’s bills that one can hope to live in the memory of the commercial classes.”

“Are you hurt?” I asked after he told me the news over the telephone.

When I didn’t receive an immediate reply, I realized I’d made a terrible faux pas. I should have first asked him how his bicycle fared after the accident.

After my little slip-up, I can report that Dr. Goggin’s bike is fine.

And as for Dr. Goggin? Who cares?

“That’s excellent advice,” I agreed. “What else would you suggest?”

“Can’t think of anything at the moment,” Roscoe replied.