The last word

The following is an adaptation of actual events. I use this disclaimer because I can never remember the exact words that came out of my mouth, and this way my wife can't complain that I'm not reporting "the exact truth."

Because the weather's been nice, one week for Sunday school we went out to a nearby school playground and played soccer. Inevitably, my shoes got dirty.

I didn't think anything of it, but SY brought it up a few days later. "Yeah," I said, "but they're getting better now -- they're not so dusty anymore."

"That's because of your pant cuffs -- they brush your shoes as you walk," she countered.

"Oh, OK. I can fix that," I replied, and wiped them with my hand. "There. Problem solved."

"That's not solving the problem!"

I was getting frustrated. "Well then, what do you want?" I asked. Then, I turned around and unleashed my secret weapon....

"Psh." I whispered, under my breath.