Lexicographer

“Now, you need to be careful at intersections…”

“Intersections?”

“Just write it down in your book, Julie,” Professor Hilbert said wearily.

Julie scribbled dutifully. “Oh!” she said. “Okay, then what?”

“The store is on Sutter Boulevard.”

“Boulevard?”

The professor tapped Julie’s lexicon again.

“Oh, right.” She jotted the word. “Ah, I see.”

“Excellent. We need bread, milk, and fruit – apples or grapes. Cereal, tomatoes, butter... Maybe you should write the list down?”

“No, Professor,” said Julie. “I know all those words already. I’m learning more every day. I’m ready to go outside.”

Hilbert hesitated. “Yes,” he said. “Yes, you are.”