tonight's question — what can you do on your own now

Somewhere between the roti and the last spoon of rice, ask it plainly — what is one thing you can do on your own now that you could not do last year?

Let the answers stay small — cycling to the corner, plaiting her own hair, lighting the gas with an adult in the room, sleeping without the passage light on. Do not upgrade anyone's answer. If he says tying laces, then tying laces is the answer.

And answer it about yourself too. Children rarely hear an adult admit to learning something new; it is a door held open from your side of the table.

Whatever is said tonight, let it be enough.