Lucy turned to her dad, more curious than anything else to hear what he was going to say. He didn’t talk much, but always made sure that what he said was just enough to convey the idea of what he was thinking.

 “Hmm. A-hmmm,” he said, trying to find the words.

                It had been a while since he asked a question. Questions tend to lead to answers that require further questions and discussion, he found. So generally he preferred not to ask anything of anyone.

 “Lucy,” he said at last, quickly eyeing his wife in a way that told Lucy this question was really coming from her, “...are you on drugs?” he asked softly and they both stared directly at her, checking the reaction.

                Lucy couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She shot her dad the same forward-tilting-head-with-open-eyes that Milo had just given to her. Then she blinked once slowly for added effect.

 “Dad” she said. “I’m nine!”