At lunch, Sister-in-Law told Niece that she’d always love her, until the end of time.

“When’s that?” Niece asked.

I chimed in with the type of random comment for which I’m famous (or maybe infamous) in my family.  “I’ve been watching Doctor Who – which is all about time – and the end of time is the year five billion and something.”

There was a slight pause while everyone gave that comment the merit that its gravitas deserved.

“Uncle Todd,” said Niece, quietly.

“Mm hm?”

“No one’s laughing.”

Suddenly, everyone was laughing.