“You want me to ride _this_ to work?”

Gabby nodded. “Yes.”

“A unicycle! Do I look like a clown to you?”

She smiled. “Yes.” Then she giggled.

Joey sneered. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Yes.” Gabby fell on the ground laughing. She kicked her feet in the air.

Joey smacked his forehead with his palm. Then he dragged his hand down his face. He frowned. Gabby laughed harder.

The door opened. Joe continued to frown as his brother, Beau, stepped into the room. Beau looked at his sister, who was still on the floor. She had toned her raucous laughter into a giggle. He caught her eye then nodded toward their younger brother, who was still frowning. “What’s with him?”

She giggled once more. “He doesn’t want to ride the unicycle to work.”

Beau was deadpan. “Nobody said nothin’ about ridin’ that thing to work. You gotta ride it _at_ work.” he remained stone-faced. “Bozo.”

Their father walked into the room at just the right time. “Yes?”

Beau and Gabby laughed. Their mother came into the room and joined the laughter.

Joey frowned. “Buncha clowns.”

Gabby agreed, “You know it!”

Joey tried to keep frowning, but he had to smile. His mother gathered her family into a group hug. He joined them, pretending to be reluctant.

Joey finally smiled. “Buncha clowns.”