8:35 PM; Charlie's Room
Charlie is crying after being put to bed, a relatively rare occurence these days. Daddy has just left to look at a neighbor's car that is acting up, so Mommy goes upstairs to see if she can help Charlie relax and settle down for sleep...
Mommy: Hey Buddy, what's wrong?
Charlie: [Hiccup] Don't want door cracked! [Hiccup, Hiccup]
Mommy: What? Do you want the door open more?
Charlie: [Hiccup] I don't knooooowwww! [Hiccup, Hiccup, Sob]
Mommy: Come here, let's sit in your chair and calm down.
Charlie: I need my airplane blankie and my green blankie!
Mommy: I know, I have them.
Charlie: Don't hold me.
Mommy: Ok. You just sit here next to me.
Charlie: Where's Daddy?
Mommy: Daddy is at Mr. John's helping him with his car.
Charlie: Where's Daddy?
Mommy: He's just across the street at Mr. John's house. Daddy's helping Mr. John look at his car, because Daddy likes to help people.
Charlie: He help Mr. John?
Mommy: Yes. Daddy is helping Mr. John because helping people is good. God likes us to help people. God likes it when you help Mommy and Daddy.
Charlie: He does?
Mommy: Yes, and you help us and other people all the time. Do you know how?
Charlie: Blank Look
Mommy: You help us by making us smile. That is a big help. In fact, you're helping Mommy right now.
Charlie: I am?
Mommy: Yes, you are. When you grow up and you're a Daddy, you'll help just like him.
Charlie: No. I be a Mommy.
Mommy: No, sweetie. You'll be a Daddy, and I bet you'll be just like your Daddy.
Charlie: No! I be a Mommy and I have pink toes!
Mommy: Long Pause How about you be a Daddy with pink toes?
Charlie: Even Longer Pause Ok.
Mommy: Ready to go to bed?
Charlie: Yes, but don't leave door cracked!
Mommy: How about we leave it half open?
Charlie: Ok.
Mommy: Night-night, Buddy. See you in a couple hours.
Charlie: See you in couple hours...
Mommy creeps downstairs to laugh uproariously and wait for Daddy to come home and learn of Charlie's plans for the future!
