At seven years old Jonah had reached that period of endless questions. His mother, Alice, had long ago decided to be open and honest with her son about everything, no matter how embarrassing his questions might be she would answer them.

One sunny Tuesday afternoon Jonah came bustling in from school filled with his usual enthusiasm and inquisitiveness. Alice was ready for the quizmaster to take his seat.

“Mummy. Are you a virgin?”

“No Jonah, I’m not,” she smiled. A few weeks previously Jonah had asked that inevitable question dreaded by parents everywhere. ”Where do babies come from?”. Alice was proud of herself for sticking to her honesty guns where many would have floundered. She had carefully explained how the mummy has an egg, the daddy has a seed, the pair share a special hug and the egg and seed join to form a tiny baby.

Just then Stephen came through from the living room. Jonah turned instantly, looking up to his father and asked. “Daddy. Are you a virgin?” Stephen looked at Alice, he had not been keen on her honesty drive.

“What should I tell him? Do you still want to carry on with honesty-as-the-best-policy?” Stephen asked, looking at Alice.

“Of course, I’ve already told him my answer.”

Stephen rolled his eyes, “No Jonah, I’m not a virgin.” He cringed at the last word but managed to force a smile.

Jonah started laughing and, pointing one hand at each parent, blurted, “You’ve had sex, you’ve had sex!” His laughter suddenly cut short as a new question formed in his mind. His face crinkled up as he asked, “Mummy, have you had sex with daddy?”

“Yes Jonah.” She could tell Stephen’s discomfort was growing as the conversation progressed.

Stephen was relieved as Jonah seemed to have run out of questions for the time being, and had sat down with a colouring book. He had just picked up a red felt pen when he suddenly looked up again. “Mummy is sex how the seeds get to the egg?”

Alice was impressed at Jonah’s insight, “Yes, that’s right.”

“Do you still have eggs mummy?”

“Why, yes Jonah, I still have eggs.”

“Cool! Daddy, do you still have seeds?”

“Yes.” Stephen said abruptly.

Jonah thought for a few seconds. “Can you show me one of your eggs mummy?”

“No Jonah, I’m afraid the eggs are in my tummy.”

“The eggs are in your tummy and daddy has the seed…” This seemed to puzzle Jonah, “Mummy, do you swallow the seed?”

Honesty had suddenly ceased to be the best policy.