(scene opens in dining room)
Beta: (tying shoes) I need to be dropped off at 6:30 and then picked up after the game.
Me: Okay, we can do that, but what time?
Beta: When the game is done.
Me: Yes. But what time does the game end?
Beta: I don’t know, how long does a basketball game go?
Husband: (holds two hands wide apart) From end to end.
(room pauses)
Me: (puts head down on table and laughs until she cries)
Beta: (scowls)
Husband: (quite pleased with himself)
Beta: Mom. Not that funny.
Me: (wheezes) Honey, the jokes with accidental set up are the best jokes.
Husband: Got another one for you. How do you tell the sex of an ant?
(silence)
Husband: You put –
Beta: Wait. Let me figure it out.
(more silence)
(Gamma enters the room from the parlor)
Husband: (gleefully) Gamma! How do you tell the sex of an ant?
Gamma: (measures the room and with resigned hopelessness) No. Just no. (leaves)
Carrot: (begins to laugh again, wiping tears)