"...Of course you were," She said, resisting -- for now -- the urge to clean him off herself. Ooh, that little pale hair was soupy, and he wasn't getting it, and she just felt the overwhelming urge to fuss. But it could wait. Let smaller children try and manage for themselves... She counted in her head, slowly.

"What have you been doing all day, that you're worn out just at dinner, hmm? I won't be getting angry notes from your folks for keeping you out late, will I?"