Me: Poppy and Dave are playing Tug of War with one of Kev’s socks.
Nell: Yes, I know. David is being trained in the Art of War.
Me: Poppy doesn’t really think she can win does she?
Nell: She knows she can win.
Me: What?
Nell: And so does David.
Me: But he’s ten times the size of her.
Nell: Yes. That doesn’t matter.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: Poppy has enormous strength of will.
Me: That’s true.
Nell: And she is fearless.
Me: My Big Brave Beautiful Boy can be fearless too.
Nell: But David is kind and gentle.
Me: Yes, he is. Bless him.
Nell: He would never harm Poppy.
Me: Never.
Nell: And Poppy knows it.
Me: So you think Dave will let go first.
Nell: He always does. Poppy is extremely accomplished in the Art of War.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: She knows how to exploit the enemy’s weakness.
Me: Dave isn’t her enemy.
Nell: I know that.
Me: And personally I see his weakness as a strength. I’m proud of his gentle, kind ways.
Nell: I didn’t say David was supposed to win. He’s learning how to accept defeat at the right moment.
Me: Good boy.
Nell: And how to manage his strength.
Me: I see.
Nell: So, he can use it in the right way when needed.
Me: Poppy has the sock.
Nell: She does.
Me: And now she’s dropped it.
Nell: And David is quietly taking it back.
Me: Poppy is trying to grab it again.
Nell: But David is too tall. He is walking away proudly with his head held high.
Me: He won’t be bending his head anywhere near Poppy again.
Nell: I wouldn’t say that. He forgets very quickly. Poppy will get it back again soon.
Me: You’re right. Sorry.
