A family is anticipated for dinner, but the narrator expresses skepticism about their existence, suspecting they may be a figment of their child's imagination. The child insists on the family's reality, detailing their ownership of a large black automobile and their downtown jobs. The family consists of four members: the elderly Mrs. Heckus, Baby Heckus, a boy named Tom, and Bill, the father. The narrator's uncertainty about the family's characteristics and the peculiar name adds to the intrigue. The narrative unfolds through the lens of the narrator's thoughts, blending humor and curiosity about the Heckus family, while highlighting the child's unwavering belief in their arrival. The story explores themes of imagination, belief, and the dynamics of family expectations.
By Ring Lardner · First published 1920 · Genre: Humor, Social Commentary, Poetry