Edward and Sam became my friends after a quiz about ten birds and ten fish.
Edward is 14 years old, and Sam is 12. They visited our garden centre one day. After some conversation, we learned each other's names, ages, nationalities, and hometowns. We became friends.
"Boys, may I give you a quiz?" I asked.
"No problem, we'd like to try," they both agreed.
"Alright, listen! Ten birds were resting on a tree branch. A boy threw a stone and hit one bird down. How many birds are left in the tree?"
"Nine!" Sam winked at me.
Edward looked at the fish and thought. I waited quietly.
A few minutes later, Edward said, "I know! Eight."
"Why?" I asked.
"Because one stone can kill two birds. I read it in a book," he said confidently.
"No, all the birds are gone. Zero left," I revealed the answer.
"Why?" both boys asked in astonishment.
"You can figure it out and tell me next time. Now, I'd like to give you a second quiz. Ready? Listen!"
Both boys waited attentively.
"There are ten fish in a pond. One dies. How many fish are left?"
"Nine!" Sam answered first, as usual.
"Nine!" Edward echoed.
"No! Still ten," I clarified.
"No! Nine. Otherwise, you are not a good staff," Edward persisted.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because, as a staff member, you should know that if a fish dies, you must remove it immediately. So only nine are left. If you show a dead fish to customers, you are not a good staff."
"A child's words often hold truth. I am not a good staff."
I was rendered speechless.