Martha heard Jonathan's voice coming from near the barn.

"Clark, no, that's not a kitty."

She couldn't make out the words of Clark's response but the tone was stubborn.

"I don't think it wants to be picked up."

Another unintelligible response.

"Clark, put it down."

Definitely stubborn answer.

"I said, young man, put that down."

Martha decided to play UN and headed outside. Clark was holding something and staring defiantly at Jonathan. "Goes in the barn. Nice kitty."

"It's not a kitty and I told you to put it down." The toddler retreated, though still facing Jonathan with a stubborn pout. His arms tightened across his chest and his burden, at which a particularly acrid stench filled the air. Jonathan grimaced and turned away and Clark's eyes widened. He let go of the creature he'd been holding and as she rather reluctantly continued to approach, Martha watched a very indignant animal stalk majestically back to the cornfield.

"Kitty doesn't smell good." Clark sulked, wrinkling his nose.

"It's not a kitty, it's a skunk. Skunks make things smell bad. That's why I told you to put it down." Jonathan was definitely keeping his distance from Clark.

Martha had a sneaking suspicion that they didn't have any tomato juice in the house.