Jenya ruined the day

I meet Terry and the girls for dinner after work last night.

Bellies full, Fiona rides home with me in my car, while Neve keeps Terry company in his car.

I begin making small talk.

Me: "So did you have a good day with Daddy and Neve?"

Her: "Yeah."

{pause}

"Except..."

Me: "What?"

Her: "Except I cant stop thinking about Jenya, the mammoth.  Wooly Mammoth."

Me: "_______?_______." 

Her: "Do you know about Jenya, Mom?"

Me: "No.  I don't know what you're talking about.  Did something happen today?"

Her: "No.  Not today.  It's just science in school."

Me: "Oh.  And you can't stop thinking about what you learned?"

Her: "Yes.  But especially Jenya."

Me: "Who is Jenya?"

Her: "The wooly mammoth they found in... Florida, I think.  Or maybe Russia."

Me: "Oh, and his name is Jenya?"

Her:  "Yes.  And that's what's bothering me."

Me: "What?  His name?"

Her: "Jenya is a good name, I guess."

Me: "Fi, you're going to have to help me out.  What is bothering you in particular then?"

Her, completely serious and in earnest: "It's just... I don't like when scientists name dead things.  It... it makes me... uncomfortable."

Me: "I see."


5 comments:

Jess said...

"It makes me uncomfortable"!!!!!!!
Bahahahahahahahaha, Oh can't breathe....
I love that all you said was I see.
It's moments like these that I can't wait for.

Unknown said...

Don't name me when I'm dead. Sounds like a country music song.

Nayt said...

She's got a good point. It is weird.

Shiny Kid said...

I also recall Fiona not being one for naming a baby 'before you've met it.' For her it seems that names are for things thats exist here and now!

Tracey said...

Ok. I chuckled. And she has a point.