Caution

"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow."

"This might hurt a little, but it's necessary. It would hurt a whole lot more later if we didn't do this now."

"Can't you just do it quick, like a band-aid?"

"You know that never works, it just stings afterwards."

"So you're going to do it slowly?"

"It may be the only way."

"Then it will just hurt in increments."

"Good."

I pull away.

"Whoa, whoa. We are not putting a band-aid over this and calling it good. You are going to hate life later. I can't pick up those pieces. You have to be smart about this."

"I will be."

"You're not being smart now."

"Because I'm confused."

"..."

"You're making your point. Nothing has happened yet. The likelihood of this going any further is pretty low."

"Not from where I'm sitting, and I have great night vision."

"Speaking of night,  I should go to bed."

"You should, but that doesn't mean you'll be getting off that easily."

"I know. What's the lesson for today? Just say it already."

"Caution."