Variations on a Theme

On our way to meet my parents, we suggested that the kids look out the windows (instead of staring at their handheld videogames) and tell us what they see.

"I see cows!" one exclaimed.

"I see birds, I see trees, I see grass!" exclaimed another.

With great excitement, The Boy pointed and practically shouted, "I see die shadows! Look! I see them! Die stones!" I looked to where he was pointing: a cemetery.

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Later that afternoon, my dad and The Boy were discussing ladybugs. Dad was trying to assure The Boy that ladybugs are harmless. "If they land on you, they won't hurt you," Dad said.

The Boy disagreed. "Some flip over and they'll poisonize you!" he said. He took a sip from his can of Sierra Mist, swallowed, and added with intensity, "And then you'll die!"