Chide Before a Stall

With so much to share after a day trip to the zoo, a late return home from work for Daddy merited a late retiring to bed for Darren and Sarah. As one might expect, the "unique circumstance" inch shimmied its way into the cliched multi-minute mile.

The whereabouts of JoJo (Daddy's favorite orangutan) were discussed. Hypotheses as to the location of unseen Quincy the Chimp were offered. We learned of newly acquired lemurs and a growing population of zebras. Upon the conclusion of the animal kingdom conversation, Sarah decided to style Daddy's hair while Darren simultaneously shared highlights of the latest issue of Lego Brickmaster magazine.
When the clock revealed it was an hour and a half past bedtime, we ordered the ascension of the stairs for the belated onset of the nighttime routine. Slow-to-action, still-chatting Sarah hadn't moved as her half-way up the stairs, bed-ready brother tossed out,

"Sarah, it's time for bed. Come up and brush your teeth and get your pajamas on. This isn't a talk-a-thon."

Well, all right then. Thanks for the parental assist, D.