Scene 1: Master bedroom, theskinnyonbenny mansion.

Vanya, wearing a cowboy hat and climbing on to his mother’s back: Mama, I’m gonna ride you like a cowboy.

Mrs. theskinnyonbenny lets him climb up, smiling.

Me: That’s a much better response than I get when I tell her the same thing.

Scene 2: Mexican restaurant, lunchtime on Wednesday.

Benny, Mrs. theskinnyonbenny, and Vanya eat their lunch. Vanya catches the waiter’s eye and waves him over to the table.

Vanya: Hey, we don’t have any money. To pay for this. We come back tomorrow to pay.

Waiter just gives puzzled look.

Mrs. theskinnyonbenny: Way to go Vanya, now he’s going to be watching us like a hawk.

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