Sep 23 2008
The extortionist
A large box was left on the front stoop by our UPS man. (The UPS man is even more popular with the kids than Santa Claus, though he mostly brings books for me.) It was Paul's birthday present. As I brought in the parcel, Nathan asked me what it was. Wondering if he was old enough to keep a secret, I decided to show him. As I put the gift away, I swore him to silence.
So much for swearing because Paul told me he had broken his promise later than evening. This is what happened:
"So Dad, I know what Mom's getting you for your birthday," Nathan told Paul. "It's golf stuff, but I'm not supposed to tell you. But if you give me $100 I'll tell you what it is."
Paul told Nathan that it wasn't right for him to spoil the surprise. And then he asked Nathan what he'd do with $100.
"Oh, buy a motorcycle, crash, and mess up my leg like you," said Nathan.
Nothing like getting a shake down from a sarcastic six-year-old.
