We stopped by the new house yesterday to say hi to the owners, who were having a garage sale. The kind woman wanted to give us a purple glass ornament. “Don’t give it to the little girl,” her husband said. “It might shatter in her hands.” We thanked them and walked away. I held my breath as the kid contemplated this.

“I am not little,” she began. “The man said I was little.” “You are clearly not little,” I replied, hedging, “He only thought you were little because he, compared to you, is enormous.” “I am enormous,” she said. “No, you are not enormous. You are a big girl, but to grownups you look small.” “I AM enormous! Look at my body!” cried the 38-inch-tall, 32-pound kid.