Time’s passing rubs itself in one’s face in all sorts of ways. This morning it was the brats’ show of “appreciation” after I built a little foam/mat house for them in the basement. They moved in right away and dumped a bucketful of toys.

Since this house was larger than usual, I was able to squish in and see what was going on. I told them them about the times long ago when I and my brothers played with cardboard forts on an apartment balcony, shooting waterguns in the summer. But not for long.

ERIC
Go away please.
FRANK
Why?
ERIC
Because you’re too old.
STUART
This is for kids only. Two kids. Zero adults.
FRANK
(moping, withdraws)