Me: “Time for tuck-in.”

Little Miss Thing, age 7: “You have to tell me a story.”

Me: “I don’t think we have time tonight, kiddo. It’s very late and…”

LMT: “YOU HAVE TO.”

Me: “Come on, now. I’m sure you can get to sleep without a story. It’s super late and we’ve had a big, big day. Extra snuggles and a squeeze for you. There we go. Nighty-night, Honey.”

(long pause)

LMT: “I’ll wake up Mom if I have to.”

(long pause)

Me: “How about three little pigs?”