Alex
I'm finished.
Dad
All 100?
Alex
Yes.
Dad
That thing that you wrote 100 times - what, exactly, did it say?
Alex
"I will not hit or bite ever again."
Dad
And you're going to keep that promise, now, right?
Alex
Yes. But sometimes it's just my first instinct.
Dad
Mine too, kiddo. I understand that. That's true for many, many people. But it's our responsibility, as humans, not to act on that instinct - and to learn to curb it. Not being ruled by our instincts: That's what separates us from wild animals.
Alex
But my teacher told me it was opposable thumbs...
Dad
True enough-
Alex
...and TV, and nice restaurants like McDonalds and Chuck E Cheese's...
Dad
Hold on. "Nice"?
Alex
...and bombs and birthday parties and schools like where I go.