I met Stick a month ago and have been hiking with him for most days since. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him. It’s nice to have someone to hike with who is near my age and hiking speed.
Stick’s friend, Mike, has been a nice addition to our team. For one thing, he gives me good opportunities to give Stick a hard time.
“Do you see what I have to put up with?” I’ll ask, referring to something Stick has said.
He replies unsympathetically, “Do you see what I’ve been putting up with for the last 20 years?"