Fran: What’s wrong with your head - straggling in here with Ryan at 11 o’clock on a school night? You know he’s been sick this winter but you don’t care because you don’t have to take time off work to look after him when he’s sick.

Doug: Hello?

Fran: Hi, Doug. Do you have a minute because I’d like to talk to you about Ryan.

Doug: What I do this time? Just hang on – let me put the phone under the sofa cushions so you can yell at me from there.

Fran: I’m a little concerned about Ryan because he’s been really tired lately and he keeps getting colds all the time.

Doug: Just like every other kid in the world, Fran. School’s full of germs. It’s part of growing up.

Fran: Yeah I guess there are a lot of germs at school. But if he was stronger, maybe he could fight them off. He was really hard to wake up Monday morning. I know he had fun with you Sunday night, but it’s frustrating for me when I’m trying to get him going in the morning and he’s so tired and cranky. It’s hard for Ryan too – to keep up with school when he’s tired. Do you think there’s some way we could arrange things to make it a little easier for Ryan?

Doug: Well, if what we’re really talking about is what’s best for Ryan, then maybe we could work something out. Maybe that’s possible.

Fran: Well I’m glad to hear you say that. It’s a good start.