The Mother-Tree

(My brother is about seven or eight. He’s been obsessively playing a video game in which you play a bee and have to collect nectar from flowers while avoiding insects and other hazards. Mom goes in to tuck him in one night, even though he’s almost fully asleep.)

Brother: “Mom? Mom?”

Mom: “Yes, what is it?”

Brother: “Mom… you’re a flower.” *falls asleep*

(In the morning, Mom goes in to wake Brother up for school.)

Mom: “[Brother], you’re a tree.”

Brother: “…What?”