[ Midnight nods, then tilts his head from side to side in a noncommittal manner, gaze lowering to his book as he really thinks about his answer to that one. (He's still smiling, though. This actually isn't his first rodeo with this genre of question.) ]

I'd be lying if I said yes to that, but I can't say that all of this is within my threshold for normality, either. I know what you're talking about, though. Office workers, sales associates, white and blue collar employees and their employers... The worst part of the day is the commute, the threat of overtime, picking up one's drycleaning.

[ Midnight pauses, then looks back at Mr. LaRusso. The look is serious, but not at all pitying or concerned. Just intently focused, warmly interested. ]

Do you feel a bit underprepared, then?