In which we exasperate each other

We needed an early night.  The little ones were already asleep, and it was lights-out time for Pearl.  She asked to play a CD, and – admonishing her to keep the volume low – I agreed.  Then I turned out the lights in the hall and lounge and retired to the bedroom.

Very soon, there was a complaint from Pearl’s room.  “It’s too dark!”

“That’s because it’s night time; go to sleep.”

“But I can’t see my book!”

“You’re not meant to be reading, it’s after lights out, go to sleep.”

“I’m not reading!”

“Good, then, go to sleep.”

“But I can’t.  I can’t see my book!”

“You said you weren’t reading.  You’re meant to be going to sleep.”

“I’m NOT READING!  I’m just looking at the pictures!”

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