Strange noises

The sounds are alarming. You can hear giggling in the background.

The  noise continues. It's like someone is choking or one of those strange sounds you hear in films.

Grandma looks irritated and  increases the TV volume.

Others rush in towards the source of sound  to  find grandpa bending his head backwards.

In a lil' while, his head is upright and then his head goes down and you hear a different kind noise which means you should stand at a distance.

This head up, head down, is repeated many times and in a minute or so the ritual stops. He simply smiles and holds up a steel tumbler.

You heave a sigh of relief.

Eager little ones peer into the tumbler. They see something white and crystalline sticking to the bottom.

Grandpa clears his throat and begins his lecture.

Salt water gargling soothens sore throats. It should be done like this.

Add crystal salt to warm water. Allow it to dissolve. Then start gargling by rolling the salty liquid  your throat.

The more noisier, the merrier. You may mimic a rich baritone  voice like mine but remember not to swallow  the...he stops. Where are they?

The little ones have run far far away.