You attempt to place the turnip back onto the pedestal.
It does not leave your hands.
You pull harder.
The turnip remains firmly attached to both palms.
The old man watches with sympathy.
“Yes,” he says. “That does happen.”
The audience look genuinely sorry for you.
A woman in the second row removes her glasses and pinches the bridge of her nose.
The little door beside the stage remains open.
Choices: