She can handle trouble, don't you worry. He inadvertently thwarted her nap plans, so Carol breaks off a small chunk of his cookie and helps herself. Her other hand goes right back to stroking his hair. He seems to enjoy it and it's nice to be able to do it so casually. How long could she have done this, but didn't? All that wasted time, so many mussed hairdos that never came to be.

So tempting to say something like 'how was your day, dear?' but she thinks he's covered that as much as he's going to. Pity, she could do with some names and details, but it's not worth souring his mood.

"If you feel like spoiling dinner, let me know before we get too comfortable and I'll grab some milk and candy."