Mother Knows Best

(The primary school I go to is only five houses from home. Mum and the principal are both known for their far-carrying voices. It is a sunny day, when mum is doing some gardening, and school has morning recess. My principal has noticed my brothers misbehaving.)

Principal: “[Name] and [name]! Those are not monkey bars. Come down at once.”

(Suddenly, they hear my mum’s voice bellowing from five houses away.)

Mum: “[NAME], DO AS THE PRINCIPAL TELLS YOU!”

Principal: “Thank you, Mrs. [name].”

Mum: “YOU’RE WELCOME! ANYTHING ELSE?”

Principal: “No, thank you; I’m covered.”

(My brother did claims to this day, 30+ years later, that he is still traumatized by the voice from above.)