I Thought They’d Be Younger

A poolside conversation about divorce, adoption, and “not-real parents”—with an unexpected verdict on our age.

My husband and I were sitting by a swimming pool watching our son play. He was about seven. A little girl joined him, and soon they were deep in conversation.

“I’m here with my dad,” she said. “My parents are divorced. Do you know what divorced means?”

My son nodded confidently. “Yes.”

“Are your parents divorced?”

“No,” he said, “but I’m adopted.”

That got her attention.

“Adopted?” she asked. “Do you know who your real parents are?”

“Yes,” he said, explaining calmly that he did.

Then she asked, “Where are your not-real parents?”

He pointed at us.

She studied us carefully. Then her shoulders dropped.

“Oh,” she said, disappointed. “I thought they’d be younger.”

I laughed so hard I could barely stand. I looked at my husband, then at the little girl’s dad, who was clearly trying not to laugh while also looking completely mortified.

Sir. Just laugh.

This one is not on you.