Waking up in the recovery room after surgery, I discovered my throat was dry and sore from the oxygen tube they had inserted. One of the nurses asked if I would like some ice chips to help alleviate the problem.

"You know what," I said to her, "I'll give you ten dollars if you bring me a soft drink."

"Ten dollars?" she said. "Mr. Lucas, this is a hospital. A Dr Pepper here costs a hundred dollars."

--Contributed to "Life in These United States" by David Lucas

Received from DIB Presents.

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