Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed

Dad Asparagus: Did you make up this story?

The Rumor Weed: What? I'm a rumor weed! I never make anything up! I heard it from two very reliable sources! RIGHT, KIDS?

Dad Asparagus: Junior? Laura? Do you have something to tell me?

Laura Carrot: Well, we heard Mr. Alfred tell you that he needed to... recharge his batteries.

Junior Asparagus: So we thought... he must be a robot. Right?

Dad Asparagus: Oh, kids, that was a figure of speech!

Junior Asparagus: A what?

Dad Asparagus: Sometimes grown ups say things that really mean something else. When Mr. Alfred said he needed to recharge his batteries, he really meant that he was tired, and needed to go home and rest. That's all. Listen, if you hear something about someone that sounds bad, or even just weird, you should ask them about it. Or ask your mom or dad. But don't spread rumors. Even if it's true, God doesn't want us to tell stories that can hurt, He wants us to spread nice words.

Laura Carrot: So Mr. Alfred isn't a robot?

Dad Asparagus: No! Mr. Alfred is a very nice man!