We’re going into the store. I have hold of Michael’s left hand, his mommy has hold of his right as we walk along.
I’m focused on getting in and getting out. Michael’s got his focus elsewhere, as he takes great pains to step on each and every leaf within a three foot radius of his path.
I’m irritated that he keeps tugging, throwing me off balance.
“Michael, what are you doing?” I snap.
“Stepping on the leaves,” he says, matter-of-factly.
“Don’t step on the leaves!” I snarl and attempt to resume our forward momentum.
Then I notice it gets even harder to walk as Michael’s tugging increases.
I look down and see him doing this bizarre, prinking sort of random wobbly-kneed tip-toe dance, like he’s suddenly been stricken with some sort of palsy.
“Now what are you doing?”
“I’m not stepping on the leaves!”
“He did do what you asked,” his mom reminds me.
I gotta give the kid props for listening.
Ah yes. Don’t you wish you could flip that “literal switch” they have on only when it is convenient, or fun, for them?
Yes… It amazes me how inconveniently that mode shows up.
hehehehehehe, reminds me of the “I’m not touching you”game.
Yup. He’s shaping up to be a fine example of “annoying little brother”.
Careful what you wish for….
With him, it’s going to be “be careful of your phrasing…”