The Beast

This evening we watched part of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The following recaps my conversation with Valerie:

Valerie: Why is the beast so mean?
Me: He's lonely.
Valerie: Why is he lonely?
Me: No one loves him.

Pause

Me: Did you know that daddy used to be a beast? (kidding)
Valerie: Was he mean?
Me: Yes, he was a mean beast.
Valerie: Was he lonely?
Me: Yes, he was lonely. Then, he met me and fell in love and he became nice.
Valerie: Mommy, were you a princess?
Me: Sure, a princess from Iowa. And you are a princess from California.
Valerie: When daddy was a beast, where did he put you?
Me: Well, he didn't really put me anywhere. These days princesses can go wherever they want.
Valerie: Will a mean beast love me?
Me: Anything it possible. But it's doubtful if your daddy has anything to do with it....