The jig, as they say

(scene opens, one line in montage flashback)

Alpha: I wish I was an only child!

(scene cuts to sunny driveway)

Me: (waves goodbye to Grandma P and an excited Beta in shotgun)
Alpha: (gloomy alongside)
Me: You okay, Alpha?
Alpha: Beta will be gone all week?
Me: Yep.
Alpha: (kicks rocks) I don’t know how I’m going to sleep tonight without Beta to talk to. (turns, goes back into house)
Husband: (watches him go) Huh.
Me: Shocker.