“Love you too, Mardy bum.”

“Stop it,” he grumbled, arms crossed so tightly his elbows nearly touched.

“Fine. Grumpasaurus Rex.”

“ That. Existing so cheerfully .”

“It could be,” said Maya.

Here’s a short story inspired by the phrase — a wonderful bit of Northern English slang for someone who’s sulking, grumpy, or in a foul mood for no good reason. The Day the Sun Forgot to Shine (According to Leo)

Leo slumped deeper into the sofa, pulling the hood of his sweatshirt so low it became a fabric cave. The world, he decided, was too loud, too bright, and too happy without his permission.