Dean leaves the kitchen to get ready for bed. I track his progress down the hallway and quickly reach for a block of cheese and set it on the counter.

Dean: What’s that mommy?

Oh no! He snuck up on me! He reaches for the cheese. So I pick him up and physically restrain him.

Dean: I want it! I want it! I want it!
He shouts playfully.

Me: You know you can’t have cheese buddy.

Dean: But I want some!

Me: …

Dean: Just a little?!

Me: It’s a slippery slope my friend.

Dean: Let me help you find the slicer.

Me: It’s okay, I’ve got it.

Dean: I could cut it for you Mommy.

Me: I got the cheese out after you left so that you wouldn’t see it, why don’t you just go get ready for bed.

He starts off down the hallway again but stops midway

Dean: You know Mommy… that cheese will go bad… I could help you eat it.

Smiling madly
Me: I love you. Get out of here.

Dean: You’re mean.

Me: But… I said I love you.