Metamorphosis

"Let me see it!" 

"No!"

"Why not?"

"I am not obligated to yield to your every plea."

"I am just curious."

"No, you are bored. That's all."

"Come on. Just a glance. I won't tell anyone else."

"Don't try my patience."

"All right. Don't make a fuss about it."

"You did."

"I guess I am good at being a pain in the ass."

"That's true. Now get lost."

"I will. I just don't understand why you wouldn't let me take a peep. No harm done, right?"

"God, you are persistent."

"Let the cat out of the bag. You will feel much better afterward."

"You are too inquisitive. You will regret the moment I grant your wish."

"Show me, please."

"What's that? It is gilded."

"Gilded Guilt."

"You call a miniature Russian doll 'Gilded Guilt'? What kind of name is that for a bucolic artifact?"

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Where did you get that?"

"I owned it the day I was born. It was a gift from my parents."

"That's awesome. I never have any heirloom like that."

"You do. It takes another form, though."

"Well, whatever."

"Now that you've seen it, you must tell me what you have in mind."

"Nothing! What am I supposed to say? That's cute?"

"You don't understand, do you?"

"I am sorry. I shouldn't have been so curious. It kills me that you kept it secret from me."

"Now I offically pass down this Gilded Guilt to you."

"You want me to keep your doll?"

"Yes, but in an impalpable sense."

"What's wrong with you? They say you are not yourself recently, but now I am worried about you."

"Yeah, crocodile tears. They are always up for sale."

---

Readings: The Scarlet Letter; "The Steeple-Jack"