DEAR MISS MANNERS: Our neighbors recently went on vacation and asked our young children (7 years old and 3 years old) to take care of their goldfish. We were happy to do so, and our children enjoyed the experience.

Upon their return, they gave us two goldfish as a thank-you. This was not discussed with us prior. Obviously, not having a heart of ice, I was not able to refuse the gift after seeing the joy in my children‘s faces.

Our neighbors delivered the fish in a small bowl and informed us we could return the bowl in a week. So I had to go out and spend a small fortune for the aquarium, filters, rocks, food, etc. that goldfish require. (Mind you, the fish themselves only cost about 50 cents each.) During all this, I was keenly aware that it would become my responsibility to maintain the fishes’ habitat and sanitary living space, which is annoying to me as a busy, working parent of two small children.

Long story short, within about a week, the fish were dead. My children, bless their hearts, overfed them.

I resent having spent all that money and time on a “gift” that was really more of an anvil around my ankle. Is there any way to let my neighbors know that their gift wasn’t thoughtful at all?

GENTLE READER: No. But their demise will make the message fairly clear.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at missmanners.com, by email to [email protected], or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.