Late Night Words

It's late Friday night, and a mom and dad are in their teenaged son's bedroom, waiting anxiously for him to get home. When he finally does come in, he is as defensive as they are accusatory. The "third-degree" begins: why was he late? Was there drinking or drugs? Why has he been "distant" the past few weeks? He admits to no wrong-doing, but finally blurts out that there's a girl he's been seeing, and she lives far away so he's been out later. When the truth comes out, and nothing is really wrong, everybody softens. Some good-natured teasing eases the tension. Mom sings him a bedtime song-though he makes her promise not to tell anyone. As they leave, mom and dad realize their son is basically a good kid who respects their values, and they tenderly say good-night.