Most mornings now,  Jo Beth's fingers were swollen like puffy
sausages.  She could close them only part-way, and couldn't
hold anything.  Most days, they moved in little jerks and pops,
and ached terribly.   Other times, though, it simply felt like the
air resisted her.   Then, it was kinda fun squeezing the invisible
force--Like when you push same-pole magnets together!    

Sometimes, Jo Beth's middle finger would lock closed, and she
couldn't force it open.  (She became a more polite driver.)   

Usually, after a couple of hours, and a very hot shower, her
hands were much better.  Jo Beth didn't think much about any
of this, because the same things had happened to her mom.   

The day Jo Beth had trouble holding the steering wheel,
though, she decided to see a doctor.  She made an appointment
with a rheumatologist at the famous Cedars Sinai.
Stiff Fingers

Where Jo Beth can't make a rude gesture.
Study Questions:
Is Jo Beth eating something bad
before bed?
Is she making too many rude gestures
in her sleep?