In Aimee Bender's "The Color Master: Stories," a character experiences irritation when someone observes their texting habits. The act of sneaking a glance creates discomfort, especially when the observer critiques the use of the term "lol," suggesting it's insincere. This moment highlights the tension between online expressions and authentic emotions.

The dialogue points to a deeper commentary on communication in the digital age, where phrases like "lol" can be misleading. The character defends their choice of words by indicating the laughter exists internally, emphasizing the complexity of conveying true feelings in a world dominated by abbreviations and text-based conversations.