Mummy, quick, let’s sleep, the monster is coming out!

Oh? was the only word I could muster. Usually I would be game to play along with whatever make-believe scenario she would conjure. But after having been woken up at least 3 times last night by the baby, sleep was an all too sweet preposition at the moment. I flopped onto the sofa, where Vera had been busy building a fortress of sorts with large cushions. It made for a very comfy day bed.

The monster is angry and upset!

Hmm, this pretty much sums up the weekend just past. I mean the angry and upset part. I mean me. Mostly because the baby had been cranky.

We have to sleep now!

Hmpff. I made a half snort with my nostrils.

Mummeeeeeee, we have to sleep now! Cover yourself, quick!

Isn’t that exactly what I’m doing? I thought.

In an attempt to stop her racket so I could get down to sleep proper, I said, Vera, shhh keep quiet, or else the monster will hear you and come and catch you.

She broke into a whisper, yes let’s be quiet.

30 seconds later, she was back to making her war cries again.

Well, I tried.

Our part-time cleaning lady noticed my woes. She said, ‘小宝贝，你妈妈累了，你进去房间跟弟弟玩好不好?’ (Translated: Darling, your mum’s tired. Why don’t you go to your room and play with your little brother?)

Surprisingly, she trotted off to her room. (Maybe she was also tired of shouting to herself.)

My cleaning lady saved the day, I thought as I drifted off to sleep. I kinda like this monster hiding under my sofa.