Second-grader Scout rides her bike slow behind me, and I run fast to stay ahead.

In the course of one four-mile lap around the neighborhood, Scout asked her huffing, puffing pappy:

If you were shot in the thumb, would you die?

Is it okay not to believe in skeletons?

Could you a coconut kill you?

Why don't motorcycles have seat belts?

(Upon our being passed by a shirtless, buff black jogger), Are white people ever strong?

Dad, did you ever get drunk?

I know only one answer to questions like that.