"Atta, atta, attaaaa.... Continue the story."

I looked at the time, it was not even eight. For someone who had to be cajoled, pleaded with and at times threatened before he went to sleep, it was surprising to see him so ready to go to bed.

The power of a story; it had my munchkin quite eager to go to bed.

"You have not even had dinner, after that you have to have milk, brush your teeth and change into your night suit before you are ready for storytime."

"But that would be too late, I will fall asleep today also without listening to the end. I want the story now. Please."

That 'please' was definitely an afterthought. I looked at him, he appeared ready to burst into tears, with a hint of a watery sheen in his eyes. Shaking my head, I pulled him into my lap. I knew he faked his tears half the time, having mastered the way to manipulate me, but I would not risk it. I just could not see him cry but he was not going to get away with it either.

"Okay, I will continue but you will eat your dinner and have your milk while I tell the story. Also, brush and change into your night suit too."

He glared at me and then nodded his head. Satisfied that he would stick to his end of the bargain, I started.