I apologize…. A Big Thirsty.

Q. I'm sorry.

A. ____________

The Things I Never Realized Were Optional

After discussing the reading summaries my students are (in theory) going to be handing in, one of them came up to me after class and expressed doubt as to whether he'd be able to complete them all as required.

"I don't know if I'll be able to check the book out of the library."

I pursed my lips and narrowed my eyes while considering this. I wasn't sure I was getting the connection between his library issues and his predicted troubles with turning in the assignments.

"I mean, I don't want to buy the book," he clarified, laughing.

This was obviously something he considered frankly outlandish.

I assured him that he was responsible for the reading assignments regardless.

He looked puzzled. "But... I wasn't planning on buying the book," he said. He seemed shocked that it had come to this.

I firmly assured him that he wouldn't be able to complete the coursework adequately without the book.

He looked annoyed. "Hm... I didn't want to have to buy the book," he said testily.

"That's unfortunate for you, then," I offered.

He left, jamming his headphones into his ears in a little hipster snit.

Is this common?