clipped from: www.mcsweeneys.net   

THE MAGIC 8 BALL
AMENDED BY MY MOTHER
FOR MY MIDDLE-
SCHOOL YEARS.


BY KATE HAHN

Very doubtful. But you brought that on yourself.

As I see it, yes. But when was the last time you cared what I thought?

It is decidedly so. I just know.

Outlook good. Let's see how long that lasts.

Signs point to yes. The incense, for one. How stupid do you think I am?


Don't count on it. Or on much else if you keep going the way you're going.

My reply is no. Crying won't change things.

Ask again later. Maybe in 20 years, when you'll understand what you put me through.

You may rely on it. Let's just hope "it" can rely on you, too. Poor "it."

Cannot predict now. But, if your past behavior is any indication, the results will include my picking you up at the police station at 4 a.m.

Yes—definitely. Oh wait, I thought that was your sister holding the ball. For you, no.

Outlook not so good. See?

My sources say yes. And they have no reason to lie about seeing you at the mall in the middle of a school day.