RIP

Today after school, the girls clamored into the dining room to see our lovely new pet fish. As we approached the bowl, I spied the orange and white one, Baby Chiara, laying on its side at the bottom of the bowl. Here's how the conversation went:

Mary: "What's wrong with Baby Chiara?"

Me (trying not to gasp): "I think she's just sleeping."

Mary: "But she has her eyes open."

Me: "Well, sometimes fish keep their eyes open when they rest."

Lucy: "Is it dead?"

Mary: "No, Lucy, it's eyes are open!"

Mary, looking more closely: "Mom, are you sure it's just sleeping?"

Me: "I'm not sure. Maybe."

Lucy, lip quivering: "It's dead. Is it dead from eating my cereal?"

Mary, sadly: "I think it's dead, too."

Me: "Yes, I think the poor fish died, I'm not sure why."

After a moment of silence, Mary pipes up: "Mom, when you take it out of the bowl can we look at its bones like dinosaur investigators?"

Quick recovery, girls. If only the economy could bounce back so fast.

Rest In Peace, little Baby Chiara goldfish.