Overheard on the playground

There’s a lull in kids’ shouts and shrieks as they run and chase and swing, and so the whole class hears A. say, “L! You’re wearing pants!”

We can’t help it. Our heads all turn immediately. Sure enough, the boy who always wears shorts is wearing black pants that go down to his ankles.

The other students are not ones to pass up a chance to add their voice.

“What?!”

“WHY?”

“What happened, L?!”

L. continues swinging back and forth, but it’s clear he’s heard enough. “Hey,” he says, “Don’t encourage me take off my pants!”