This & That, Ceci et Cela

While I was waiting in the checkout line yesternite, I suddenly heard this warbly bratty wail and I look around. Cause? Overly rotund little boy (couldn’t have been beyond 4yrs old) with huge gumball (fresh from gum machine) in his wide open mouth, wailing and waiting with hand outstretched for another quarter from daddy. I don’t speak Spanish but I can certainly connect dots. Daddy starts to refuse, muttering something to the effect of “I just gave you one”, and wailing decibel increases. Dad looks to Mummy who responds with entreaties and apologetic/resigned shrug. Daddy begins the lengthy process of removing huge, clunky cellphone, many keys, nailcutter, etc. from his pocket to get to the coins at the bottom. All whilst holding up the checkout queue.

Finally hands over a quarter to the little toad. “What, you’re going to give in to him?” I start to say. Then I realize that they neither speak English nor do I speak Spanish. Just as well because what would I say? Why are you giving in, how far gone is your son’s pregnancy, when d’you plan on teaching him table manners like no chewing with mouth open or talking with food in mouth or asking nicely? So I just moved my cart ahead.

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