The Boy Is Bored
Originally posted on September 24, 2008
The Boy: Mom?
The Boy’s Mother: Yes, Sweetie?
The Boy: I’m bored.
The Boy’s Mother: Why don’t you look at one of your books?
The Boy: They’re boring. I want some new books.
The Boy’s Mother: Well, I can’t stop and buy you new books every day. You’re just going to have to enjoy the same ones a little longer.
The Boy: They’re too boring. I know ‘em all by heart.
The Boy’s Mother: You probably do. I’ve never known a child who could memorize things as quickly as you can.
The Boy: Can I go to the park?
The Boy’s Mother: Not now, Honey, you know I have a lot of work to do. I can’t get away to take you to the park right now.
The Boy: I could go by myself.
The Boy’s Mother: It’s too far, and you’re still too little. You’re just going to have to find some way to entertain yourself for a few hours, until I can get away.
The Boy: *childish longsuffering sigh* Oh all right.
The Boy’s Mother: That’s a good boy.
The Boy: Mom?
The Boy’s Mother: * less patiently* Yes, Honey?
The Boy: If I call him and ask real nice, do you think Dad would change his mind and come take me somewhere?
The Boy’s Mother: You can’t call him. He’s out of town.
The Boy: He is? Why didn’t he tell me?
The Boy’s Mother: *sharply* Your father barely feels the need to clue me in on his activities; I doubt he thinks it’s a five-year-old’s business….
The Boy: Oh.
The Boy’s Mother: ….I had plans for this weekend, things I needed to do, things I wanted to do….but do you think he cares one bit about ruining my plans? Oh no, he never considers that his irresponsibility costs me all of my free time! So here I am again taking over for him when he promised he’d take you off my……… when he promised he’d be available to watch you.
The Boy’s Mother: I’m sorry. I’m not taking it out on you. He just makes me so angry. *the boy remains silent*
The Boy’s Mother: *softer* Would you like your lunch now?
The Boy: I’m not hungry.
The Boy’s Mother: All right. I’m going down to the third floor to see Gerrilee for a little while. Stay inside while I’m gone, and don’t let any strangers in the door. If you get hungry, you know where the peanut butter and jelly are.
*sound of apartment door closing*
The Boy: Bet you went to see your real family again. Well, they’re stupid……you’re stupid……..….see if I care!
The Boy: I hate you.
