Rumor Has It WC 271

Rumor Has It
WC 271

Cindy and I were sipping on cocoa in the kitchen, having a mother-daughter conversation while we nibbled Christmas cookies.

“Mom, did you know that Sandy’s mother has a boyfriend?”

Sandy’s mother was married.

“Where did you hear that, Cindy?”

“It’s a rumor that is going around.”

I nibbled on the head of my gingerbread man.

“Oh, and Tom Johnson’s dad is having an affair,” Cindy said.

Tom Johnson’s father was also married.

“Another rumor?”

“I guess. Maybe they are having an affair with each other,” Cindy said. “Oh, wow. Wait until I tell Amy!”

Amy was my daughter’s best friend.

We sat in silence for a bit as we sipped our cocoa.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you,” I said.

“What?”

My daughter’s eyes were as big as saucers; I think she was waiting for some juicy gossip.

“I heard that the stores are closing the day before Christmas,” I said.

“What? They can’t, Mom. I haven’t finished shopping.”

“It’s quite a shock, for sure,” I said. “And the merchants are only taking cash for purchases until then.”

“I don’t have any cash!” Cindy said. “I can’t believe they did that! Can they do that?”

“It does seem like it would be bad for business. I guess it’s a sign of the times we’re living in.”

“Then how do I get my shopping done, Mom?”

Cindy was now in full-blown panic mode.

“Do you know this for a fact, Mom?”

“It’s a rumor that’s going around.”

“But that doesn’t mean it’s true. Come on!”

“That’s the thing about rumors, sweetheart.”

I saw the lightbulb go off in her head. Mission accomplished.