so many times i 've thought about asking herr silverman why he never rolls up his sleeves , but i do n't for some reason.5 some days he encourages me to write-other days he says i 'm `` gifted '' and then smiles like he 's being truthful , and i 'll come close to asking him the question about his never-exposed forearms , but i never do , and that seems odd-utterly ridiculous , considering how badly i want to ask and how much the answer could save me .