human
I wish my Pop and Ma were coming up,
gpt
Why? Are you homesick, too, Emma?
human
I dunno. I want Pop and Ma.
gpt
It's no good wanting, is it?
human
Well, you've got yours, haven't you?
gpt
Not really. Not together. I mean--they don't live together.
human
Why not?
gpt
They don't have to. Dad's got a place in Florida and Long Island and Maine and New York. So when they quarrel, they just go off. Different places. And I can't be with either of them because the other won't let me, Janet choked.
human
I guess they'll quarrel Saturday,
gpt
Gee, that's tough. Pip-Emma gave a small hoarse chuckle.
human
Pop and Ma get mad sometimes. But Ma says, 'You old son-of-a-gun, I guess I gotter live with you and like it.' And Pop says, 'I like it fine, you old so-and-so.' And he takes us out and gives us a sundae at the drugstore. Ma says you can't stay mad in two rooms.
gpt
I wish we lived in two rooms,
human
Maybe, she said,
gpt
I'd be too scared.
human
If my Pop and Ma were here, I'd jump into their darned old water. I wouldn't care how cold it was. I wouldn't be scared. Maybe if your Pop and Ma are along, you'll win the race, and then you'll never be scared again.
gpt
But I shan't win it. I'll lose my breath like I always do. And Clara's so fat. She just has to float.
human
Maybe if she was sick--if she eats something--
gpt
She can't. Prissy's got her on a diet. She's Prissy's pet.
human
Gee--you poor kid!