MissEight: Do you think the Tooth Fairy is real?
Me: Hmm. Yeah, I think so.
MissEight: Oh, I totally think so too. Who else would do that? Who would want a bunch of old teeth? It makes sense! Do you think Santa is real?
Me: I do.
MissEight: Yeah, for sure he's real. I like Santa. You know who's not real? Jack Frost. And griffins.
Me: Nope.
MissEight: What if Jack Frost and a griffin had a baby? What would it be?
Me: Something with icy wings.
MissEight: Griff...ack? Frostgriff? No! JACKIN!
Me: (makes valiant attempt not to laugh, fails)
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(I am walking with MissEight on the school grounds. As I pass a Boy with strawberry-blond hair, who also seems to be about 8 or so, he reaches out and touches my chest briefly. I stop, slightly startled. The Boy looks up at my face rather somberly.)
Boy: Hello.
Me: Hi.
Boy: What does it say on your shirt?
Me: "Pavement is rad." Pavement is a band.
Boy: Oh. That's nice. Bye.
Me: Bye.
Pavement, "Cut Your Hair," The Tonight Show 1994
© Copyright 2008- Marianne Spellman