(My 4-year-old niece sometimes babysits for her cousin’s guinea-pigs—Marshmallow and Chocolate. She is very fond of them. Unfortunately, both Marshmallow and Chocolate were eaten by a hungry native python whilst outside in their cage. It was up to my sister-in-law to gently break the bad news to my little niece.)

Sister-in-law: “Darling, you know Marshmallow and Chocolate?”

Niece: “Yes?”

Sister-in-law: “Well, something happened to them. I’m very sorry darling, but a snake got into their cage, and now they’re gone.”

(She waits, expecting tears, questions about death, maybe even a bit of anger at the snake.)

Niece: *after a long pause, frowning* “A snake ate Marshmallow and Chocolate for dinner?”

Sister-in-law: *still bracing for the upset* “Yes.”

Niece: “Oh.” *she looks thoughtful for a few moments, then asks happily* “What are we having for dinner?”