Quiet Patient

A shy little 4-year-old came in to the dentist for his first cleaning
and check-up. The hygienist tried to strike up a conversation but got
no response.

After the cleaning, the dentist was called in to do the final check. The dentist tried to strike up a conversation as well. "How old are you?"

No response.

The dentist then asked, "Don't you know how old you are?"

Immediately four tiny fingers went up.

"Oh," replied the dentist, "and do you know how old that is?"

Four little fingers went up once again.

Continuing the effort to get a response, the dentist asked, "Can you talk?"

The solemn little patient looked at him and asked, "Can you count?"