the family

daughter: the babies were here. you can tell because of the way the grass is indented: rather than be broken at the base of the blade as would be the case under 100 pounds or more, the blade looks folded like an accordion because of the lesser weight a baby carries.

mother: who taught you that?

daughter: doesn't matter, does it?

mother: does it?

daughter: (clutching hands to sides of head) DOES IT?

mother: I'll fix you a blackberry muffin. got the recipe from the woman down the road who sells her cookies and things from her garage.

daughter: (takes a bite, considers the taste) it is delicious but I've never been able to think clearly after blackberry.

mother: well then give it here, I'll take the berries out

daughter: take them out? why then it wouldn't be a blackberry muffin anymore!

daughter: not anymore.

mother: I'll have it just the way it is, then.

daughter: watch out for that stone

mother: (points) that one?

daughter: that's it. it's been moving for days, I'd assume it'll be here in the exact spot we're standing some time soon.

mother: well what am i watching out for?

daughter: so it doesn't roll over you and crush your bones into the dust you're kicking around right now.

mother: that's a good thought. I suppose I owe you something now.

daughter: a favor?

mother: sure

daughter: here, then, help me get this knot out of my shoelace.

mother: what do you have a shoelace for? to lace up your bare toes?

daughter: (looks down at feet) where did my shoes go? thought you'd play a prank on my while I'm saving your life, huh?

mother: i don't have any use for your shoes. got my own right here. (pats bag hanging from shoulder)

daughter: its a national crisis, the shoe crisis

mother: what about the acrobats?

daughter: what about 'em?

mother: they're not wearing shoes. they don't want to. so it's not their crisis.

daughter: (squints into the distance) here! here they are!

mother: get the blanket, they're going to be cold.

daughter: (to babies) did you find it?

mother: they're too small, bet they couldn't see over the bushes.

daughter: did you find it?

babies: no. we're too small, couldn't even see over the bushes.