"I'm very cross with God," said Phoebe.

Emily had apparently explained to her that everybody has to die one day, and Phoebe is planning to take this up with the Big G. From her point of view this is a great flaw in his design.

Actually, I wasn't even aware that Phoebe was aware of God's (theoretical) existence.* The Poof Fairy (Tooth Fairy), yes, Mary Christmas (Father Christmas), yes, but not the Supreme Being and Creator of the Universe. However, it seems that Eleni has been taking Phoebe to church every day, and has done a pretty good job of teaching her that God's in charge. Never mind, I'm sure she'll grow out of it.

Emily meanwhile, who has no difficulty in believing in a large man in red who squeezes down the chimney or a small fluttery creature that steals her teeth (she has the proof, you see - presents, filthy lucre), has been asking about Christ's miracles. "But *how* could he have turned the water into wine. It's very puzzling."

Puzzling.

Yup. A real stumper.

* At this point, by rights, I should disappear in a flash of lightning, leaving nothing behind but a charred and smoking keyboard.