Yeti: Happy Easter.
Boo: Wait…I don’t get it. We live in the West.
Yeti: [shrugging] I didn’t name it.
Boo: I thought it was Halloween with all the candy, but now it’s all light colors instead of spooky ones.
Yeti: Nobody’s dressing us up…I already like it better than Halloween.
Boo: Hooray for that. So what is Easter?
Yeti: Confusing, for sure…something about bunnies, and church. And eggs, and I can’t figure out what those have to do with anything either. And Missus has been practicing pretty songs a lot more than normal this past week.
Boo: It’s very perplexing, but she sure is happy about it, and nicer even than normal. Even considering taxes are over with.
Yeti: Maybe it has to do with the candy.
Boo: [eyes sparkling] Yes…perhaps we should sample some….
Yeti: You do know that will end the nicer-than-normal spell quite abruptly.
Boo: Only if I get caught.
Yeti: You always get caught.
Boo: That’s what you think.
Yeti: Come on, everyone knows you’re an unconvincing liar, oh stealer of my breakfast. Not that you don’t practice.
Boo: How do you know I’m not telling the truth now?
Yeti: Um, your mouth is open and sound is coming out?
Boo: So, you’re saying I’m lying about lying?
Yeti: Maybe. I don’t know…. okay, yes – I’m saying you’re lying about lying.
Boo: But you don’t know. So I’m better at it than you want to admit.
Yeti: Not something to brag about…you do know that lying is also when you just keep silent about the truth, or make gross exaggerations even.
Boo: [Silent]
Yeti: [Wondering if she has been too harsh, or not harsh enough] What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue? Heh, sorry – couldn’t resist.
Boo: [Suddenly pensive] Ha, no. Something else. I’m not sure what it is.
Yeti: [Studying her companion thoughtfully] Could it be…a conscience?
Boo: I’m not unconscious, just…confused.
Yeti: No: conscience, as in, that little voice in your head that tells you lying is wrong.
Boo: How do you know about the voices?
Yeti: Uh, voices, as in plural??
Boo: No! I mean, voice…that voice. It makes me feel guilty.
Yeti: [Wary] You do know dishonesty is bad, right? That it hurts relationships, not to mention that people might not believe you when you need them?
Boo: [Sheepishly] Yeah…that’s already happened.
Yeti: I suspected that. [Puts paw on Boo’s shoulder] You can break the habit. It won’t be easy at first. I can try to help keep you in line.
Boo: How? By tattling?
Yeti: Well, yes, if needed. I haven’t so far – and look where that’s gotten us. [waits for Boo’s quiet acknowledgement] Do you want to do better, so our people trust you – always and forever, and not just so you can pull another fast one? Are you truly repentant – I mean, sorry?
Boo: [Mumbling] I am. I don’t mean to be bad. It just seems easier at the time.
Yeti: But it doesn’t end up that way, does it? It has to feel bad disappointing our People.
Boo: [Tearfully] Oh, it’s just awful! How do I stop?
Yeti: I’m afraid you’ll have to find your own best method for you. It won’t likely happen overnight, so please be patient with yourself. Remember you’ll never be perfect, and remember that Missus and Mister love you anyway no matter what. And [under breath] so do I.
Boo: [Ears perking] What did you say?
Yeti: [Straightening up and looking Peekaboo squarely in the eye] I love you. I care about your happiness, and that of Missus and Mister, and everyone. There. I said it.
Boo: And there it is, ladies and gents: an Easter miracle.
Yeti: Stop exaggerating! [Sighs, smiles and winks]
Boo: I don’t understand it yet, but I’ve decided I like Easter.
Yeti: Me too.
Both: Happy Easter!
