Gerald Is Disappointed

My editor has a favorite red pen. She named it Gerald.

Before marking any manuscript, she holds it up. Shows it to the pages.

'This is Gerald,' she says. 'Gerald is disappointed in you.'

Then she begins.

I've never seen so much red. Gerald is thorough. Gerald is merciless.

Last week I asked if Gerald liked anything.

She paused. Looked at the pen. Looked at me.

'Gerald liked page 47.'

There is no page 47. My manuscript is 46 pages.

'Gerald knows what he saw.'