Me: Next Sunday the kids have a birthday party to go to for Jack.

Bill: oh.

Me: It’s at Chuck E Cheese.

Bill: no.

Me: I promise, you don’t have to go.

Bill: oh. no.

Me: I’ll take them, Bill. You stay home. Don’t worry. You don’t have to go.

Bill: That kid…in that place…

Me: You don’t have to go.

Bill: Are they going to give him Ritalin?

Me: Bill!

{pause}

Me: Oh, Danielle is going too! {another neighborhood friend}

Bill: Are they going to give YOU Ritalin?