One evening, Mrs. Capelli joined her son Marco for dinner at his apartment. Marco shared the space with his roommate, a charming young woman named Sofia.  

Throughout the meal, Mrs. Capelli couldn’t help but notice how well Marco and Sofia got along. Watching their playful banter and warm interactions, she began to suspect there might be more to their relationship than just friendship. Picking up on his mother’s curiosity, Marco said with a smile, “I know what you’re thinking, Mom, but I promise Sofia and I are just roommates.”  

Mrs. Capelli nodded, though a knowing twinkle remained in her eye.  

A week later, Sofia approached Marco looking puzzled.  “Ever since your mom came over, I can’t find the silver sugar bowl. Do you think she might have taken it?”  

“I really doubt it,” Marco replied. “But I’ll send her an email, just in case.”  

Marco wrote:  

> Dear Mom,  

> I’m not saying you **did* take the sugar bowl, and I’m not saying you *did not* take it. But the fact is, it’s been missing since your visit.*  

> Love, Marco  

 

A few days later, Marco received a reply from his mother:  

> Dear Marco,  

> I’m not saying you **are* sharing a bed with Sofia, and I’m not saying you *are not.* But the fact is, if she were sleeping in her OWN bed, she would have found the sugar bowl by now.*  

> Love, Mom  

*Moral:* Never try to outsmart your mother. She always knows more than she lets on!