Scene: Dinnertime, kitchen. I’m putting away the clean silverware. N is sitting nearby.
Me: This silverware is getting nasty. We’re going to need to replace it. It offends me.
N: Yeah, I know. That’s okay, we’ll have to go to IKEA soon anyway to get a thing for his thing. [looks meaningfully at AE]
AE: [looks up from his dinner, confused]Â What thing?
Me: Maybe not. I meant to tell you, my sister says that if we need her thing we can have it.
N: Oh yeah? Why’s that?
Me: She doesn’t use it anymore.
N: Is it the kind of thing we need?
AE: [puzzled]Â What thing?
Me: Yeah. Actually I think it is from IKEA, so the same thing we’d get there.
AE: [getting frustrated]Â WHAT thing are you guys talking about?
N: Hmm, I don’t think I’ve ever seen that thing.
Me: Standard thing. [gesturing with hands] Shelves and stuff.
N: [nods]
AE: WHAT THING?
Me: Nothing, sweetie. Eat your dinner.
AE: [shaking head]Â Whatever.
