QUOTE : This is pitiful. You realize this, right, Dad?” I ask.<br /><br />He concentrates on the video playing on his tablet, which he’s watched about five times. “We can do this. It can’t be that difficult.”<br /><br />“Why don’t we just call Mom? I bet—”<br /><br />He holds up a hand and gives me a stern look. “Absolutely not. Let me try again.”<br /><br />Mom comes into my room then, and I let out a relieved sigh. “Give it to me,” she says.<br /><br />“I’ve got this, Layla.” Dad holds the object of our frustration out of her reach.<br /><br />She shakes her head. “Why don’t you just borrow one of your dad’s ties, Daniel? I’m sure you can tie one of those.”<br /><br />“Nope,” I say for millionth time. “It has to be a bowtie.”<br /><br />“Why?” Dad whines.<br /><br />“Because bowties are cool.