Elliot looked down and saw Layla with adorable puffed-up cheeks. "You should not use my full name like that? It's not very polite," he said in gentle reprimand.

Layla huffed, then said, "It's because you're a bad man."

"Did your mother say that?" Elliot asked. He looked calm.

He was not upset. Layla was just a child. What did she know?

She was only aware of the things that she had been taught by the adults around her.

"No way! Mommy wouldn't say bad things behind someone's back!" At this point, Layla was worried about snitching on her brother, so she cleverly changed the subject and asked, "What are you making?"

"Sweet barbecue ribs," Elliot replied as he showed her the marinated ribs. "It's your mother's favorite. What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."

Layla answered without hesitation, "I want chocolate! I also want meat! Could you hide some chocolate in the meat for me? Whatever you do, don't let Mommy find out!"

Elliot thought about it, then said, "I can do that