Benjamin's Heirloom Ring

Run out of Toothpaste

Valerie's house, almost midnight.

Like his old habit, Benjamin would brush his teeth before going to bed.

However, when Benjamin went to the bathroom, he found that the toothpaste had run out.

Benjamin absentmindedly scratched his head, even though there was no itch while muttering to himself, "It just occurred to me. Yesterday, I sliced open the toothpaste tube to scrape out the last bits of jam, and now I don't have it anymore."

Believing that Valerie must have a substantial supply of toothpaste or at least one tube in her bathroom, she hurriedly exited her room. In the hallway leading to the kitchen, she encountered Valerie, who oddly enough, was holding a toothbrush.

She took the initiative to greet, "Hey, Ben, aren't you asleep yet?"

In response to the friendly greeting, Benjamin replied, "Not yet. I came to find you."

"Oh, really?" Valerie raised her eyebrows. "I was actually hoping to catch you and inquire if you have any spare toothpaste. Mine ran out, and I don't have any in