But the imagination which could be terrified by the rattle of that planking on the old bridge was quite equal to finding satisfaction in "playing store" and in seeing customers where there were none.

Pee-wee believed that anything could be done by power of will.

She would find the utmost joy in pretending.

No, not the utmost joy, for the utmost joy would be to buy the tents.

...
"You have to say we're not pretending like girls do" he insisted relentlessly as she buried her head in her poor little thin arm and sobbed more and more.