Literal child

Elsie puts down the pen and looks at her hands. 'Uh-oh!'

'What's up love?' I ask and she shows me the multi-coloured traces across her palms. 'Shall we wash your hands?' She nods and walks to the bathroom.

'Wait a minute, Ruth's in there. Let's wash your hands in the toilet instead.' She gives me an uncertain glance.

I follow her in, and get there just in time to pull her back from the toilet bowl. The basin in the toilet, my love.' I explain, 'the basin' and turn on the tap.

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