Numerology]
K reports: Oliver and Stella are in the bath. Oliver puts up eight foam numbers on the wall, with the intention of "teaching" Stella her numerals.
O: Okay, Stella. Point to the number five!
Stella, who is making a pretend pie in a plastic bucket full of water, glances up at the numbers, decides she can't be bothered, and randomly waves her hand at one of them.
O: Oops, Stella. That is WRONG. That is not a five. That is a two. Here, I will make it easier for you.
Oliver removes several of the numbers, so now there are only a few on the wall.
O: Stella, Stella! Look up here. Now, let’s see if you can do this. Please point to the number five!
Stella looks up from her pie. She’s very bored with this lesson. She waves her hand at a four.
O: Oh dear, Stella. That is not right either. That is a four. It is a number. Okay, Stella? Okay? The number four. Maybe there is a way to make this easier.
Oliver starts fishing around in the bathtub. I start washing their hair and am not paying attention. Suddenly, I hear Oliver.
O: (In a slow voice, clearly designed to indicate he believes he is speaking to a mental incompetent.) ”Ooookaaaay Steeeellllla. Let’s see if you can do it thiiiis time. Can...You...Point...To...The...Number...Five?
I look up at the wall. Oliver has put only fives on the wall. I have to duck my head so that they won't see me laughing.
Stella looks at the wall. And, as she is in fact no dummy but rather lives to annoy her brother, refuses to make a choice.
Oliver: Stella! Stella! C’mon! You can't even get it wrong! Choose one! It's SO easy! I MADE IT so easy!
Stella finally waves at a number.
O: (sounding relieved.) That is right, Stella. Good job. You did it. That is a five. Maybe you are smart.
I think I saw Stella rolling her eyes.
Poor Oliver. I wonder when he will finally figure out that Stella has his NUMBER!!!!!!