“Young lady, you are not getting on this ship!” 

Justin appeared on Bonny’s Revenge a few moments ago. For some reason, he had fallen asleep in the middle of his night. Charlie and Joy had time to have their own adventure, with Master Mind and me chaperoning and no adult Dreamers around. 

Charlie created marsh country, a land of swamps interrupted by a lot of trees and shrubbery. The two played catch and hide and seek for hours while Master Mind and I watched from the deck. 

Justin appeared a few minutes ago and looked at them play and laugh. 

Finally, tired, they began climbing the ramp. That is where Justin blocked them by firmly standing in their way. 

“It’s my ship!” Joy says. 

“It’s our ship,” Justin says. “And look at you two! You are full of mud! There’s no way you’re getting on this ship! You have to burn those clothes, get into the shower in your grandparents’ house, and I’ll give you new clothes!”

“Dad,” Joy looks at him as if explaining something trivial. “Dirty children are happy children.” 

Justin’s face becomes blank all at once. Then, after a second, he takes a step back. “Good point,” he says with a smile. “Welcome to the ship!” 

All I want to do is laugh. And I think how this argument will soon repeat itself back in our home when Joy, on her way to the shower, will have to pass through Suzy. 

—Told by Grampa Walt