Looking for a "Yes" in a World of "No"

Zora looks up at me with her large, brown eyes.

--Can I put the electrical cord in my mouth?
--No.

We walk a little further. She pauses to inspect the gentle blue glow coming from our signal booster. The short blunt antennae could be tasty.

--Can I taste that?
--No, baby girl.

Drat. We move on. A plate full of river stones with a few candles nestled among them. Zora starts panting and wobbles quickly towards the candlescape.

--No, no.

I steer her towards a stack of colorful blocks. She plops down on her generous baby behind and checks in with me one more time.

--Yes?
--Yes.

EEEEeeee.