Story of the Scary Poisonous Creature with Enormous Teeth

Living with Teens can occasionally be amusing. And it's always entertaining. For example, take a recent experience.

We’re driving down the road with Happy, Smiley (Happy’s friend) and Sneezy in the back seat of our truck, when out of the blue, terrified screaming from behind us nearly causes my husband to swerve into another lane (yes, there was a car there).

Them: screaming and squealing like girls

Me: What? Is it a Spider?

Happy: No, it's a...a...slug and it's COMING CLOSER! *squeals again*

Husband: How did a slug get in my truck?

Sneezy: That's not a slug, it's a long furry thing with HUGE TEETH.

Smiley: Maybe it’s a snail.

Me: Whatever it is, it doesn't have teeth, I promise.

Happy: Stop the truck, stop the truck, STOP THE TRUCK! *practically climbs into sister’s lap*

Husband (after pulling over and dispatching the creature): Um, that’s not a slug or a snail. it's just a caterpillar. I set it free.

Smiley: You think that was scary, you should see when they turn into butterflies.

If you’ve read anything I’ve written about Happy and Sneezy, you know that they aren’t afraid of much. For girls, they’re pretty dang tough, sports-minded, and completely athletic. But when it comes right down to it, they’re still girls. As evident from the above story, not just in their love of clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Proof positive that people are truly complex.

And that, my friends, is why I write young adult literature, and also why I prefer to read it.