Girl 1, very hopeful (she knows a softy when she sees one): Can you buy me a chapter book? I really like chapter books.
Me (thinking): Its important to encourage reading. One should be fine.
Me, talking: Okay, I'll get each of you one chapter book (its important to attempt fairness).
Girl 1: Thanks, Mom!
I sit on the bench and zone out while I hear all these exclamations of: Look at this one! I think I want this one! What if you get that one and I get this one.
Girl 2: Can I get two books?
Me, weakeing: Well, I'll buy you one chapter book and you can pay for the other one with your allowance money.
My mom calls and we chat. I look over at the girls, they are holding six books three of which are the same.
Me: Uh, Mom, I think I have to go. I'll call you back (oops, I forgot about that).
Me: How come you have so many books? And how come those books are the same - I'm not buying two of the same book, you can share them! (hah, maybe not a victim after all! It not like I just bought them six pairs of jeans full of embroidered flowers and sequins after swearing two days before that they had more than enough clothes for school.)
Girl 1 realizes that maybe Mom is not such a softy as she appeared and puts back two of the three identical books.
Girl 2, holding three books: I can't decide which ones to get. (Here's an example. Its enough to make one want to retch, I mean reach into your pocketbook).
Me, staring foggily into space: Hnh?
Girl2: I just don't know which one I like.
Me: I'm only buying one and you're buying the other one!
Girls 1 and 2: We know, Mom! (They're already doing the eye rolling).
So I bought them four new books. Maybe they'll give me the money from their allowance. But its so worth it!
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