“Because they’re uncomfortable,” Stephen explained. “You have to wear uncomfortable shoes if you want to look important.”
“Oh,” said Deedee.
“What’s that thing around your neck?” asked Paul.
“It’s a tie,” said Stephen.
“Does it keep your neck warm?” asked Paul.
“No,” said Stephen.
“Does it hold your shirt on?” asked Paul.
“No,” said Stephen.
“Well, what’s it for?” asked Paul.
“It chokes me,” said Stephen.
“Oh,” said Paul.
“The more it chokes me, the better I look,” Stephen explained. “See?” He tightened his tie.
“Oh, yeah,” said Paul. “You look real handsome.”
Paul was wearing cowboy-and-Indian pajamas.
Stephen pulled his tie tighter. “Now how do I look?” he asked.
“Wow, you look great!” said D.J. “Pull it tighter!”
Stephen pulled his tie even tighter. “How’s this?” he gasped.
“You look great and very important,” said D.J.
D.J. was wearing a toga made out of his bed sheet.
“Pull it tighter!” said Bebe.
Stephen pulled on his tie. He could no longer breathe.
g
g
“Tighter!” everyone yelled.
Stephen pulled it even tighter. His eyes bulged and his nose turned blue. He had never been more handsome.
“Tighter!” they all shouted.
Stephen pulled his tie so hard that he ripped it in half.
“Ohhhhhhhhh,” the whole class groaned.
“Darn!” said Stephen. “Now I’m not great and important anymore.”
“Yes you are, Stephen,” said Mrs. Jewls. “You’re just as great and important as you ever were.”