Dear Abby: Drama Ensues When Granddad Objects to Trash Left in His Car

[cereta]

DEAR ABBY: Recently, my wife took two of our granddaughters (ages 9 and 15) and a friend (age 15) to the movies. As usual, the next day I found trash had been left in the car, which triggered the following text exchange.

I sent both granddaughters a picture of a garbage can and my car and asked: "Please advise which one is used to throw away trash? If you need help, ask your mom. I'm not accusing anyone of anything. Also, if one of your friends was to throw trash on your Poppy's car floor, what should you do? Would you ask them to pick it up -- yes or no?"

The only response I received was from their mom, who said, "'Amber' (granddaughter) did not leave trash in your car!" Things have gone downhill from there.

I replied that I expected an answer to my questions, and that I hadn't accused anybody of anything. You would think I had shot someone! Many tears have been shed, and my wife has threatened to divorce me for standing my ground. We have agreed to have you settle this. What say you? -- TALKING TRASH IN SOUTH CAROLINA

DEAR TALKING TRASH: You are the injured party. You did nothing wrong. You are owed an apology from all concerned -- the kid who left the trash in your car, and your wife and daughter for overreacting.