Slide

A playground, in a park. One lady raises to the top of the slide a ball of newspaper, gives it a kiss: "Ready . . . set . . . go!" Another holds a lampshade in her hands, smoothing its chenille bangs. "My daughter, you should see her dance— she's already won two prizes." "Did I tell you mine—he's three—can already write?" A girl, in line behind them with her son, is listening. She tightens her grip on his hand, hoping no one will notice he's real, and alive.