From my Table

An elderly man got in at one of the floors with his adult son. “Lucky kids,” he said, winking at my 11-year-old son, “I wouldn’t mind some pizza for lunch!” I have no idea how he knew, but then he added, “Hey, that pizza’s not hot, is it?”

I answered, “As it so happens, no, it’s not that hot, but that’s okay, the kids will be fine.” I guess I was feeling defensive?

“You know,” he said, assuming a somber tone, “there’s no al cheit you can say for serving your kids cold pizza.”

“You’re right,” I said, playing along with his joke. “This is serious! Do you think my kids will be okay?”