Old Wives' Tale

"Enough, Ed! That disgusting habit is damaging your joints."

Ed's knuckle cracking has driven Edna crazy for years. "And for your information, that didn't even remotely sound like the William Tell Overture," Edna added in exasperation.

"Edna, it's not my fault you don't have an ear for knuckle music. And you're wrong about the damage."

"Well, don't blame me when the arthritis sets in."

"That's just an old . . . "

"An old what, Ed?"

"Uh. Er. An old misconception about negative effects of knuckle cracking unsupported by current medical research."

Edna left the room, laughing and humming the William Tell Overture.

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This 99-word story is my contribution to the April 22 Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge to "write a story that includes a vice."