“Momma, what’s an atheist?”

Billy’s mom nearly dropped her shopping bag. Glaring down at him, she yelled, “Where did you hear that word?”

Scared, Billy could just point at the bus driving by. His mom looked up and saw the ad on the side of the bus proclaiming, “Atheists can be decent people too.”

“Such filth.” Billy’s mom yanked him along the sidewalk. “You must never, never, never speak that word again. Do you hear me?”

Billy nodded, but his mom did not see it. “Do you hear me?” she repeated, louder.

“Yes,” Billy croaked.

With a huff his mother said, “I may have to wash your mouth out with soap when we get home.”