Master Nine: What if there’s a fire in our house, Mum?
Me: We get out. Fast.
Master Nine: Would there be time to get a few little things first?
Me: No. Get out. Fast. (Thinking OMG WHAT???!)
Master Nine: Does fire burn everything? Even metal?
Me: Pretty much. It melts metal.
Master Nine: (Already mourning . . . ) But my ipod touch . . .
Me: Forget it. It’s toast. That’s why we have insurance.
(Small break while Master Nine probes the concept of insurance, then . . . )
Master Nine: (With audible relief . . . ) Thank goodness for insurance. I was really getting worried there for a bit.
Me: (Not half as worried as I am, son, if you’re more worried about your freaking ipod touch than your family!)