Vri and the Great Gum Caper

Vri has a partner in crime — her great-grandpa. The two of them together? Trouble with a capital “T.” They share the same sparkle in their eyes, the same quick wit, and the same knack for telling stories.

The difference? Great-Grandpa is living with dementia, so when he tells a tall tale, it’s his truth in that moment. Vri, on the other hand, knows exactly what she’s doing.

So when she casually told her grandmother, “Tomorrow is National Gum Day. Can you buy some gum for my class?” it sounded perfectly innocent. Gullible Great-Grandma, fully believing her sweet-faced co-conspirator, marched to the store and returned proudly with three big packs of gum.

Grandma couldn’t wait to share the good deed with Vri’s mama: “We’re all set for National Gum Day tomorrow at school!”

Mama’s eyebrows shot up.

“Uh… hold on. Gum isn’t even allowed in school. Vri, get down here. Tell me about tomorrow.”

From the stairs, Vri froze. Then her eyes flicked to Great-Grandma with a quick “Why did you have to tell her?” look.

Eventually, after a long pause and a little shuffling, she confessed. There was no National Gum Day. She’d made it up — a story so convincing, it could’ve come straight from her great-grandpa’s playbook.

Lesson learned?

• Great-Grandpa’s storytelling skills are alive and well in the next generation.

• Great-Grandma is still an easy sell if you have a cute smile.

• And today… someone’s in trouble.