"Teddy — I suppose Mummy and Daddy are real, aren't they?" Teddy said, "You ask such silly questions, David. Nobody knows what 'real' really means. L… - Brian Aldiss

Frank II had been back in the aptly named Mother Country for only a few months when a lady of his acquaintance presented him with Frank IV. Frank IV was a girl, christened Berenice. The state of coma which had ensnared Frank II for so long did not afflict Berenice, or any other of his descendants. Another tremendous adjustment in the shared consciousness had to be made. That also had its compensations; Frank was the first man ever really to appreciate the woman's point of view.

She was sceptical about the painting when it was finished. 'It's nice. But it's not quite like the real thing.'
'But what would be the point of it being exactly like the real thing?'
The next day, he painted the same corner of the room as previously. Bea's response was as before.
He was amused. He painted the corner of the room over and over. She was never entirely satisfied.
When he had produced his hundredth canvas, she kissed him tenderly, suggesting he gave up. 'You'll never be a success...

They would tear the wiltmilt to living pieces until nothing of it remained — and if they happened on a human at the same time … well, it was the way.