In a conversation, a character asks another person about their age, prompting an automatic and rehearsed response of "seventeen." This exchange highlights how deeply ingrained certain phrases can become within a person’s identity. It suggests a state of being that feels fixed and unchanging, emphasizing the character's comfort in their current age.

The follow-up question, "And how long have you been seventeen?" adds layers to the initial inquiry, suggesting a sense of reflection on time and what it means to be in that particular moment in life. It prompts the reader to consider the implications of age and the experiences that come with it, touching on themes of growth and stagnation.