Poor Little Tom Mode

"Ow!" he yelled, rubbing the spot. "What's that for?"

"To let you know I am kidding."

Tom shook his head. "You are one weird kid."

"Ah, yes. That's the kettle calling the papa black."

Tom burst out laughing, falling back on the couch, holding his stomach.

"What's so funny?"

 "Well, for one thing, you said it backwards. And it's pot, not papa."

"Whatever. When I come to visit you, I will teach you Japanese so we can talk like intelligent people."

 "I think Sayōnara is just about the only Japanese word I need to know, thank you very much. That, and Aoki."

Hana tried to punch him again, but this time Tom was too fast; he jumped up and ran out of the room, the sounds of pursuit close behind.

Luckily, dinner was ready in the kitchen—ramen noodles and peanut butter sandwiches.

 ~