This is how the argument between mother and son upstairs ended today.  She had been, as per her usual, harassing him endlessly about making a mess when he had finally had enough and yelled, "Stop vexing me with these rhetorical questions!."  (This kid is eight)  She then whacked him for being disrespectful.  He stomped off into his room but before slamming the door he said, "And I would  never have thought to have a mother who would hit me!"  They are a very theatrical family.  It's like living under a highbrow soap opera.  xxoo me