monologue

Lorcan asks a lot of questions. He’s in data gathering mode right now, full systems go. Just like every other kid his age.

But the great thing about Lorcan is that sometimes he doesn’t even need you to answer his questions. He'll happily do it for you himself.

The trick is to pause slightly before you respond... and if he’s feeling inspired, he won't bother waiting for you to give him some banal, unimaginative, adult reply.... he will, instead, come out with an answer all of his own.

And it's usually way more interesting than anything I could say.

Sitting on the loo five minutes ago, he came out with the following:

Is it getting dark, Mummy?

Yes, it is getting very dark, Mummy.

Mummy? Why is it getting very dark?

Will I tell you why it’s getting very dark, Mummy?

Because the morning is [whispering for dramatic effect:] starting to disappear.

Yes. Because you know, Mummy,... the morning can disappear.

And the dark too.

Everything can disappear!

* * * * *

fly

Malachy: When I grow up I'm going to be an ice-skater and a scientist!

Mummy: Wow! What kind of scientist are you going to be?

Malachy: The kind that invents things. I'm going to invent a way to make human beings fly!

don't be long

Lorcan: Are you going to pick up Malachy?

Daddy: Yes, I am.

Lorcan: OK, but don’t be too long.

Daddy: OK

Lorcan: No. Go fast!

Daddy: OK!

Lorcan: But... Don’t go too fast.

Daddy: I won't.

Lorcan: Actually... Go slowly.

Daddy: Okaaaaay!

Lorcan: Bye, bye, Daddy. You can be long, but be careful.