Saturday lunch is always comprised of leftovers. Last week Phil had saved half his burger from the evening before at the Crooked Goose, but of course, Ben had bolted down his own burger and was faced with eating ordinary leftover dregs from the week. We have a very defined family code for the consumption of restaurant leftovers, the details of which were hammered out at the Geneva Convention, and we stick to it like glue. To eliminate ambiguity, write your name on your box of food, preferably while still in the restaurant. You have exclusive rights to your own box of food for 24 hours, during which time begging may occur. Food sharing at this time is at the sole discretion of the owner. After 24 hours, the “Finders keepers, losers weepers” maxim applies. All this is pretty much a one-way street because when does Ben ever have leftovers, and we have always avoided eating after our offspring because kids are notorious illness vectors.
Ben knows that Phil is an easy mark, but when Phil turned down his request to share his bounty, Ben tried a new technique – reason. “Look,” Ben said, “I just want a positive experience.”
If Phil had not been consuming the last bite as Ben delivered his line, he actually would have stood a chance of getting some of that burger, because we were so taken aback and amused by his sophisticated request. Points for creativity! But, be careful what you wish for, Ben…
Ben had had mild cold symptoms for a few days, but said he felt great. He was perky, energetic and fever free. Phil tested him for Covid, and sure enough, a faint line appeared, confirming that he was indeed having a positive experience – a Covid positive experience.
The mystery is not so much how Ben got it, but how the three of us have dodged it for three and a half years! Phil and I both tested negative and remain symptom free. After isolating and masking as recommended (because this is one positive experience we don’t need to share during this season of giving) Ben is back in the game.
Wishing you all a positive Christmas experience!