Libbey finds a home (Socks LVI)

"Dad? That was quick."
"Sarah couldn't wait to get out of the car."
"Do you think she'll keep the bargain?"
"Well Mom, we have the recording."
"Look on the shelf, see what I found in my purse."
"Nice spoon."
"It must have got stuck in the bottom of my purse."
"It says Libbey Freedom."
"What should we do with it?"
"Let's keep it."
"It? I'm a her." Dad didn't hear.
"I think it's already my favorite spoon."
Dad carried Libbey to the kitchen, bathed her, and placed her in the drawer.
She liked being the prettiest spoon in the drawer.

Reunion (Socks LV)

Only a few hours had passed since the purse had slid across the room, yet Nick and Libbey were happy to be together. Introductions were done all-around.
"Dick is the smartest animate I've ever met."
"Lar said you were the wisest."
"Dear lady, the definition of smart is having knowledge. Wise is the application of knowledge that comes from experience."
"Nick, he is smart."
Dick told Libbey different definitions for her last name, Freedom.
For the next hour SONY taught the others how to repeat, Nick recounted stories, and Dick shared more of his knowledge.
Footsteps were in the kitchen.

Cleaning The Purse (Socks LIV)

Mom, Dad, and Sarah came back into the living room talking. With some persuasion Sarah reluctantly accepted Dad's offer of a ride home.
They left. Mom went to the bedroom and came back with the purse.
Setting the purse on the couch, she took things out and began to organize them. The checkbook, keys, Lar, Rar, the wallet, and finally Libbey.
"Well look at this." Mom held the spoon.
"Where's Nick?"
Mom didn't hear Libbey.
"Maybe I'll keep you as a memento."
"Are you listening?"
No, Mom wasn't listening.
Mom set Libbey on the shelf. "Wait till Dad sees you."

More Playback (Socks LIII)

Sony then repeated a noise that was part word, part grunt and part growl. Also in the background Mom was laughing, calling Dad a stooge.
"Let me give you a ride Sarah."
"I wouldn't ride with you..."
"Aw come on, we've known each other for years."
"Yea, I know. You just want her name cleared."
Sarah's voice got smaller and smaller until SONY repeated a clunk.
"That's all I heard fellas."
Nick was amazed that Sony could repeat so perfectly.
"I do my best repeating when my red button gets pushed and I can remember for a long time too."

Plea Bargain (Socks LII)

Nick exclaimed, "This is as good as Oprah.
Dick shushed him. "I'm trying to listen to SONY."
"I thought you didn't like Oprah."
"This, is not Oprah."
"Dick likes Oprah, Dick likes Oprah."
SONY stopped repeating during the quarrel. "May I continue?"
"OK, I'll never sit next to you."
"What about the manager?"
"I'll talk to him, but I'm saying that I was just trying to play a joke on you."
"Whatever...so long as he knows that I'm not a thief. Dad I think we're done. Would you drive Sarah home now?"
"Just call me a taxi."
"Ok. You're a...."

Playback (Socks LI)

Dick, Nick, and the recorder were on the shelf talking when Dad came in and grabbed the recorder. "I'll play it back for you, Sarah," and left the room.
Soon Dad walked back in and put the recorder next to Nick.
Dick now had a different view. "SONY."
"Yes?"
"Just reading."
SONY started repeating the human's conversation to Nick and Dick.
"Listen to this Sarah." Click.
"Want to hear it? I put silverware in your purse. And," Click.
"Need to hear more?"
"No."
"Then you'll tell the girls that I'm innocent?"
"Yes."
"And you'll never sit next to me again!"

Echo (Socks L)

"Dad, you're such a pistol."
"Maybe that's why Sarah called me a son-of-a-gun."
"Sarah, I'll make some coffee. We'll talk."
"What choice do I have?"
Dad set the recorder on the shelf. The three humans left the room.
"My name's Nick. What are you worth?"
"My name's Nick. What are you worth?"
"What?"
"What?"
"Stop that."
"Stop...Sorry, I was repeating."
"What are you talking about."
"I hear sounds and repeat them."
"Why?"
"It's fun. You should try it."
"It's fun, you should try it."
"Not a bad first attempt."
"Hey Dick, repeat after me. I'm a boring book."
"Very Funny."