He seized a stuffed animal from a sleeping toddler. “Give me the pie or the giraffe gets it.â€?

I could feel the warmth of the pie against my chest. “Gets what?â€? I asked, trying to stall for time.

He pulled out a black sharpie. “This,â€? he said triumphantly. Behind him, the toddler began to cry.

“Put the giraffe down,â€? I said seriously.

“Give me the pie.â€? The marker neared the face of the giraffe.

“Mommeeeeee!â€? The toddler screamed.

I reached out and snatched the marker from my assailant’s hand. “It seems we’re at an impasse,â€? I said, uncapping the marker and brandishing it in his face.

“You have the advantage of me,â€? he admitted. “Perhaps we could come to an arrangement. After all, I still have the giraffe.â€? The toddler was standing in her seat, reaching for her plushy friend.

“But I have the marker and the pie. You have nothing left to bargain with.â€? I smiled. “You are beaten.â€?