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PAGE FORTY-EIGHT

PANEL ONE: JIM’S DAD gets up from the table and motions for JIM to come with him.

JIM (narr):
But then Dad wanted to talk with me.

DAD:
Come with me.

PANEL TWO: JIM’s DAD’s home office. He’s sitting on the edge of his desk, looking casual, with JIM standing in front of him.

DAD:
The thing is, Jim, your Mom thinks the world of you. She has a hard time acknowledging any flaws.

PANEL THREE: DAD starts undoing his own belt. JIM stares.

DAD:
She may be in denial about your bedwetting because…

PANEL FOUR: DAD lowers his pants to reveal cloth diapers and plastic pants.

DAD:
…you come by it honestly.

PANEL FIVE: JIM looks at his DAD as his DAD pulls his pants back up.

DAD:
So unless she’s forced to confront it, it’s likely she’ll keep ignoring your bedwetting. Do you understand?

PANEL SIX: JIM blushes but gets a small half-smile on his face. His father nods approvingly; JIM has understood him.

JIM:
…oh.

DAD:
I see you understand me.