Cecilia Adler motioned for her to ask Ian Quincy directly.
The child tapped Ian Quincy's back. "Dad."
Ian Quincy grumbled, "I know, I know." 'So annoying.' He had a huge pile of his own books to read, but he still had to teach her. If he didn't, his wife would start nagging him. He said, "When you grow up, remember to honor me."
"Okay! Dad, when you die, I'll set out fruit platters and burn paper money for you, just like Mommy honors Grandma."
Ian Quincy: "..."
Cecilia Adler burst out laughing. 'What a way to show respect.'
"You're still laughing," Ian Quincy said, his tone turning icy.
Cecilia Adler covered her mouth with one hand. "Kids say the darndest things. Don't take it so seriously." She then explained to the child, "Claire, 'die' is a very taboo word. Don't say it like that next time. You show respect to people while they're alive."
The child nodded in muddled understanding. "I won't say 'die' next time."
"That's right."
"..."
...
