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Week One

B: What, no ruminations on Ash Wednesday?

M: Apparently not.

B: Did you learn nothing? Experience nothing? Feel nothing?

M: No. I mean, yes. I mean... whatever. How is it your business?

B: So, you don't want to talk about it?

M: I don't mind talking about it, but what's there to say? There are the ashes, penitence, prayers...

B: What are you giving up for Lent?

M: None of your business.

B: Geez. Touchy. Sorry I asked.

M: I mean, it's not like it's a secret... except, since it's supposed to be a kind of fast, I suppose it is. Isn't it?

B: Sure, whatever.

M: No, really? Is it secret or not secret?

B: You're not supposed to announce it to the world like it's a big sacrifice, and you're certainly not supposed to complain about it. But if you gave up meat or something and someone offered you a pork chop, it would be better to say 'I'm not eating meat during Lent' than 'Oh, no thank you, I've eaten.' Because the last could be both a lie and an insult to the giver.

M: Right. I knew that.

B: So, what are you giving up for Lent?

M: Umm... nothing.

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