Dad, why didn’t you buy a toy?
Do you have an idea that we buy a toy every time we go to a restaurant?
.. No.
Well, this is one of the times we didn’t.
Mago mopes and kneels face down on the bench.
Do you want this sandwich?
He shakes his head, sullen. After a few minutes and a few more invitations, he’s still sullen. Time for Harmless Distracting Untruth.
I happen to know you wouldn’t like the toys here.
He sits up and looks at me, slightly wide-eyed.
Yes I would! I’ve never had any toy I don’t like!
Hm. .. I think you wouldn’t like this sandwich either.
Mago is mildly alarmed, and his eyes grow wider.
How do you know?
Mm.. I just don’t think you would.
But maybe I would!
No, I don’t think so.
Why?
Because it has turkey, bacon, lettuce, cheese, and whole wheat bread.
Well maybe I would like it!
Mm, I still don’t think so.
I haven’t decided!
You don’t have long.
A minute or so passes, and I continue the reverse-pitch. Next I know, Mago is wolfing down the sandwich.
Cha-ching!
Great story!