Not Quite Ready

For several weeks now, I've been suspecting that Bug may be catching on to the whole Santa/Easter Bunny charade. She's nine, and kids talk at that age. She's certainly heard the theories by now. Last night, I decided to launch a small fishing expedition with the feeling that if she asks me point-blank, I'll tell her the truth.

Me: Are you excited about Easter?

Bug: Yes!

Me: Do you have any questions about Easter?

Bug (frowning): What do you mean?

Me (wondering how the hell you have this conversation): Well, I just wanted you to know that if there's anything you're wondering about, you can ask me.

Bug: Huh. OK.

Me (trying new tack): Are your friends excited for Easter?

Bug: Yep. (pauses) Of course...(long, thoughtful pause) some of them don't believe in the Easter Bunny.

Me (a-ha!): Really?

Bug: Do you believe?

Me (nodding vaguely, not making eye contact)

Bug: 'Cause sometimes I wonder...I mean...it doesn't make sense that a huge rabbit brings candy all over the world, does it?

Me: Hmm.

Bug: Some of my friends think their parents get up in the middle of the night and put the candy in their baskets.

Me: And what do you think?

Bug (very decisively): I think it's a man in a rabbit suit.