Algy & Penelope

Chapter 158 · Month 58 · Starting a Family

The Misunderstanding

The cost of childcare, in actual numbers

Oldest line first — the newest line is at the bottom.

Penny teacher
The sponge is still on the sink and the test's next to it, and I've moved both twice now like I'm expecting a health inspector. So say the number out loud properly — what the childminder actually comes to.
Algy designer
One thousand two hundred and forty a month, and I keep hearing it as a rent. The thing I actually want to ask is whether you'd still want me on the form if the sums never get easier.
Penny teacher
You've gone quiet on the numbers, which is your tell. What did you read into it — that I'd want a different answer if it were cheaper?
Algy designer
That's exactly it. I read it as you costing it up to see if I clear the bar, and I do that — I hear a number and assume I'm the one failing it.

Whose turn was it to go first?

One vote per chapter. No account.

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What the audience made of it

Algy 0 Penelope 0 Both 0 0 votes

The next chapter opens with these numbers on the table. The character with fewer votes is expected to demand a recount.

The story fund →