“Sorry, Dad-er, General. I tried to go to school, I really did! But they said I had to go home! I swear, I didn’t want to!”

“Really now? Schools these days are raising weaklings! And so help me, if Tank gets chickenpox the week he goes to camp, that’s on you. Now march upstairs!”

“He told Tank never to forgive me for that… I wonder if that still stands.”

“Daddy it’s me, Michelle. Are you feeling better-”

“Are… Are you crying, daddy?”

“D-Daddy? Daddy, please wake up! I want you to be okay!”

“Mmmnn… Michelle? That you? What’s wrong, kiddo?”

“You were crying in your sleep! Does your throat hurt that bad?”

“No, I was just-… Er, yeah. It does. Sorry for worrying you.”

“He’s sleeping so soundly. I’ve seen him sleep like a log before, but boy, is he ever out.”

“Must be nice. He’s so comfy. He’s probably having some nice dreams, too, about how much affection he’ll be getting. Hehe. He deserves it, too, plus a treat.”

“Dad, I… I think I’m gonna throw up!”

“That’s General, to you! You want to miss school? Fine! You lock yourself up in your room, then! And if you get even a spot of vomit on the carpet your mother just cleaned, so help me, you will pay for a replacement out of your own damn pocket! You hear me!?”

“… Why are they being so nice?”