Work Text:
“But do we have to?”
“Yes, sweetheart, that’s what ‘all residents’ means. Until they seal that nearby gas leak, the whole neighborhood has to stay indoors for safety.”
“But I don’t want to be stuck inside, it’s boring. I want to go to the park with my friends!”
“I know. Maybe tomorrow. For now, let’s play a game, shall we? Let’s see. ‘Deduction’ is your favorite, right? Of course there’s no one out on the sidewalk for you to deduce, but let’s pretend there is. ‘I spy with my little eye’ a woman in a blue polka-dotted dress and brown shoes. Tell me about her.”
“She’s imaginary, so… hmmm, does she maybe have orangish-reddish hair?”
“She does.”
“And are there about a half-dozen primary school students following her like ducklings?”
“There are.”
“Then you should also observe the chameleon on her shoulder and the large, slightly funny-looking yellow bus nearby.”
“Hehe, yes, I see that, too. How did you know?”
“Because what you called polka dots were actually small planets all over her dress, and very few teachers would wear something that fun. I deduce that what they’re calling a ‘gas leak’ is actually a reality leak. The animated world has leaked into ours, and the woman outside our flat is none other than Ms. Frizzle, driving the Magic School Bus!”