"Well, I might not hear you, actually"

We went over to a friend's house for dinner tonight and stayed longer than we should have, (you know, past 7:30.)

"Can we stay a little longer?" begged Zoey.

Sensing an opportunity for productive negotiation, I relented, but only under the condition that she come right away when it was time to leave.

"How many times will I need to call you before you come to me?" I asked.

"Once."




"Well, maybe two."








"Well, I might not hear you, actually."