The other day, when Anthony was home for lunch and the afternoon, and Ming and I were trying to get the living room warm enough for him, I became a bit impatient. We had a roaring fire going, a heater on, and two blankets on his knees, but he was still shivering with cold in a room so hot that I was soaked with perspiration.
– Your thermostat’s had the bomb, Ants! I accidentally sort of yelled this as I was wrapping the stupid blankets under and around his feet.
– Mum, don’t be such a bitch! Yes, that came from Ming of course.
– Ants, can you tell Ming not to ever again call me a bitch?
And then Anthony said very clearly, I think, that in this context, it’s acceptable.
Shared laughter immediately thrilled its way through that hot room!
jmgoyder 