A young child visits a family, bringing an atmosphere of discontent and negativity. This child, unfamiliar to the family, exhibits a persistent sour demeanor, expressing disdain for his relatives. His stay lasts nearly two weeks, during which he remains unyieldingly unhappy, rejecting attempts at kindness and affection. The child cries for various reasons, both when he is denied and when he receives what he wants, indicating a deep-seated dissatisfaction. His behavior disrupts the household, as he complains about meal timings and continues to express his displeasure even in sleep. Eventually, the child departs, and the family returns to their previous state of happiness, relieved by the absence of the young visitor's gloom. The narrator expresses a desire to be far away during any future episodes of the child's unhappiness, suggesting a hope to avoid the emotional turmoil that accompanies the child's presence.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Children's Literature