A thousand, a billion, a fortune, and Bruce Banner.
Daddy,
he pointed as we sped down the highway.
I can see a billion trees.
Johanni,
I said.
It's highly doubtful that you can see a billion trees right now.
Oh.
He said.
Is a billion more than a thousand?
Yes.
I said.
Okay,
he said.
Then I definitely see a billion trees.
Oh.
I said.
Okay.
____
"Normally I don't approve of children staying up late,"
he said finally,
"unless they are reading a very good book, seeing a wonderful movie, or attending a dinner party with fascinating guests."
- Hector
The Vile Village,
Book the Seventh, A Series of Unfortunate Events.