The S-Word That Must Not Be Said

In the car, driving home from the orthodontist’s office:

Me: “So, kids, on the way home we’re going to make a stop at the pharmacy.”

Erin (very suspicious): “Why? What are we getting?”

Me: “Well, we’re all going to get some flu, uhhh, boosters.”

Erin: “Flu booster? What’s that? Wait, is that a shot?!”

Colin (who was previously ignoring us and is now screaming): “WHAAAAAAAATTT?! DON’T SAY THAT WORD! I HATE THAT WORD! I DON’T LIKE SHOTS!”

Me: “It’s just a tiny one. It will just be a quick stick, and then it’s all over.” (Then I bit my tongue so as not to say, “That’s what she said.”)

Colin: “WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! I DON’T LIKE SHOTS!”

Erin: “Colin, it won’t be that bad. It will be over super fast.” (Again, I’m biting my tongue.)

Me: “Colin, it is a very quick shot. And we have to get it so we don’t get sick. People are getting very sick this year with the…

Colin: “Can we not say that word? I HATE that word.”

Me: “I know. That’s why I called it a flu booster.”

Colin: “Can we please stop talking about it?”

Erin: “I don’t like the word either. I mean, if I hear it at a party I don’t mind.”

Me: “What? What are you talking about?”

Erin: “You know, at parties: ‘SHOT! SHOT! SHOT! SHOT!’ Like during the Christmas gift exchange with your family, Mom.”

Me: “Oooooo, yes. That kind of shot.” (I’m only slightly mortified at this point.)

Colin: “CAN WE PLEASE STOP SAYING THAT WORD?!”

Me and Erin: “Okay. Sorry.”

Me (whispering): “Voldemort…”

Erin giggles.