THE IDEA

by Steven Steinbock

“Dad, is that the column we were talking about?”

“What column?”

“The Criminal Brief column. The one when you had the idea in the car that you told me to write down.”

“What?”

“Dad. The day before yesterday. You were driving me home from Cam’s house and you said, Sam, quick, write down this idea. It will make a great column.”

“Oh, right. Did you?”

“Did I what?”

“Did you write it down?”

“No. You didn’t have a pen in the car.”

“Oh. What was the idea?”

“I don’t remember. All I remember is that you told it to me, and I said, ‘Yeah, that would make a really cool Bandersnatch column.’ And then you told me to write it down, but I couldn’t find a pen. So you told me to type it into your phone.”

“That was a good idea. Did you?”

“No. Your phone was in your pocket. And you couldn’t get to it because of your seat belt.”

“It always pays to be safe. You should always wear a seat belt, and never use the phone while driving.”

“Dad, like that really helps me. I won’t be old enough to drive for another two years. And because you couldn’t get to your phone, I couldn’t type your idea.”

“So what was the column going to be about?”

“That’s the point, Dad. I can’t remember. I was hoping you remembered and it’s the one you’re writing right now.”

“Oh. So you have no idea what it was on?”

“No. I just remember that it was a really good idea.”

“Hmm. If it impressed you it must have been good.”

“What are you talking about? I like lots of your ideas.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I just don’t like proofreading your columns at gunpoint.”

“That’s not fair, Sam. When have I ever made you proofread at gunpoint?”

“Well, there was the one about . . .”

“Okay, never mind. That was a unique set of circumstances. Now I’m really curious about that idea. It was that good, huh?”

“Yeah. When I couldn’t write it or type it on your phone, I told you I’d remember until we got home, and then I’d write it down for you.”

“Why didn’t you say that before? Where is it?”

“What?”

“Where did you write it down?”

“I didn’t. I remembered it until we got in the house. And then once we got inside I forgot to write it down.”

“And I thought I had memory issues.”

“Sorry, Dad. Next time just make sure you have a pen and a pad in the car.”

“I will.”

“Dad, if this isn’t the column we about the idea that we can’t remember, then what are you writing about?”

“I’m not sure yet. Give me a few minutes and I’ll have you proofread it.”