I am a very patient person. Right now, I am waiting patiently for the carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis on my right thumb to get better, so that I can do all the things I love doing, like cooking, drawing, painting, playing the piano, …also mundane stuff like pulling up my pants, tying my shoelaces, eating chapatis….

You know what’s funny? Of course, you don’t! So I will tell you. 

Unlike my thumb(s), the brain is working on all cylinders and it comes up with this conversation between the Left and the Right—Thumbs of course, not political parties!

Left Thumb: (tauntingly) You called me a lazy bugger shirking work by pretending to be sick only a few months back. How does it feel now to be the one with osteoarthritis, eh?

Right Thumb: (in a low voice) Stop heckling me when I am in pain!

After two more days of being The Important One, being depended upon To Step In And Save The Day, the novelty has worn off, and the Left Thumb starts singing a different tune.

Left Thumb: (clearly miffed) Hey! Stop shirking you lazy Righto! Making me do all the hard work. Grrr… I have never ever had to hold a toothbrush, much less brush the teeth, in all my life and now, in my dotage, I am expected to learn these and other new things as well?!!!

Right Thumb: (primly) It’s never too late to try new things!

Meanwhile, the brain stops mid-story spin, and nods, in total agreement with that last remark.

©️ Shail Mohan 2026