John's understanding vs Kate's understanding

I'm always saying, "He just doesn't understand." This of course is referring to John. Today I had an experience with Kate that solidified that statement.

Kate was chewing on something. The conversation went like this:

Me: "What are you chewing on?"

Kate: "A wheel." (as she spit it out)

Me: "Where did you get it?"

Kate: Rummaging through her wagon, finds a car, hands it to me and says, "right here."

End of conversation. I put the wheel back on the car, good as new.


I have had experiences similar to this one with John before and this is how that conversation would have today if it was him with the wheel in his mouth.

Me: "What are you chewing on?"

John: No response, mouth clamps shut.

Me: "John, what do you have?"

John: No response, starts to run away.

Me: Running after him, prying his mouth open and pulling out the wheel, while trying not to get bit. "GIVE IT TO ME!!"

Me: "Where did you get this?"

John: No response.

Me: "John, show me where the car is."

John: No response.

Me: "Scott, do you know which car this wheel came off of?"

Scott: "No."

End of conversation. I throw away the wheel only to find the car several weeks later and then, of course, I throw away the car.

I have had my expectations exceeded with Kate. She will answer my questions and although she is defiant at times it pales in comparison with John's defiance.