Last night when I picked up my son from his after-school class, something unpleasant happened. At first everything was all right. My son was happily to greet me.  There was a piece of toy eyes glasses in his right hand. He raised it up and said eagerly: “Mum, look, I got this…..”

Before he finished his words, B, his friend and classmate, suddenly chimed in with a piercing laughter: “He stole it! He’s a thief!”

My son’s face turned red and replied immediately “No, I’m not. Science Teacher gave it to me!”

First, I didn’t give much attention to it. My son and B are pretty close. Since we live in the same neighborhood and they are in the same after-school class, B’s parents and I pick them up in turn. You know boys, they always banter back and forth. Some jokes might be a bit too much for adults, but for children, they are just for fun. Usually I would stay out of their business and leave them alone to deal with their own problems.

But this time, it’s a bit carried away. B soon brought up another accusation: “Yes, you are a thief! You stole my toy gun, after you left my home, I can’t find it. You must have stolen it!”

“No, I am not! I did not!” my son raised his voice and clenched his hand tightly.

However, coming to witty response, my son is a thousand miles behind B.

B continued his attack: “Yes, you are! Dare you say you’ve never come to my home?”

“Yes, I…” my son muttered. I signed.

“Look, you said Yes! You certainly stole my gun.”

 If my son was not the victim, I would almost applaud for B. What a nice strategy of diversion and aversion. My son was completely and totally into his trap.

But it’s too much, B crossed the line and this time I decided to step up and defend my son. “Did you see him leave with your gun?” I asked B. My interruption surprised the boys. B paused a bit and said “No, I didn’t see. But he did come to my house! “

“On your invitation. You know, if you don’t like his visit, you can just say it. Stealing is a big accusation, and you can’t accuse someone stealing without a proof.” I said.

“Mum, I didn’t take his gun. I really didn’t.” my son took my hand and looked at me with expectation.

“I believe you.” I said soothingly, patting him lightly on the shoulder.

“Ok, I can give him my gun, you know. “ B said, “I don’t really like it anyway.”

“Don’t, keep your gun to yourself” I said, half annoyed, half amused.

But my jolly, oblivious son already forgot the previous unpleasant episode.  Soon two boys were already in a heated discussion about some games, hand in hand, they went towards my car.

 Boys!