The other day, after taking a bike ride to a picnic supper, my oldest was looking pretty tired. He’s been fighting off some kind of virus, and the day and the bike ride had just wiped him off.

We arrived home just before dark, and I told the boys to get showers.

He walked out of his room a few moments later, looking so tired he could barely stand. “I’m so tired, Dad.”

“Really?”

“So tired.”

“Well, I understand that. Get your shower and then just hop into bed. I’ll let your mom know. She’ll understand.”

“Wait,” he said. “No. I’m not that tired. I’m just too tired to. . . Never mind.” He turned and went back into his room.