Age of Innocence

A neighbor called the other day to alert us to the fact that there is a druggie who has found his way down our sequestered drive and has been asking for handouts.  Nothing serious, just the neighborhood on the lookout for theft.

I didnt want to alarm the kids, but wanted them to be aware and cautions.  What followed was a humorous conversation.

Abi: "Is he a bad stranger?"

Me: "Well, we dont know but we think he's looking for trouble so I just want you to come inside if you see him"

Abi: "Trouble?  Does he do really bad stuff....like tell LIES?

I couldnt help but chuckle.  That was about the worse imaginable offense she could come up with.

Tristan: "How did he come to our neighborhood?

Me: "He probably drove in his car"

Tristan: (incredulous)"What? You mean bad guys have cars?"

I could see the wheels turning in his head.  Didnt all "bad guys" have propelling rocket launcher boots for transportation like Sindrone in the Incredibles?

And then Britain, (hands on hips and spunky confidence at being one step ahead of the bad guy) inquired:

"Mommy, is the stranger going to try to feed me a poison apple"?

Aah, the age of innocence.  When all bad guys are fictional characters and easily recognized in their dark cloak.  When evil is evil and good is good and distinguishing between the two is obvious.  If only it were always so!