Reversal Of Conversation

(I’m on the phone with my sister, who has two young children.)

Niece: *in the background* “Mom?”

Sister: “In a minute, honey. So how’s your new job?”

Me: “Oh, it’s great…”

Niece: *slightly louder* “Mom!”

Sister: “In a minute!”

Me: “Do you want me to call back later?”

Sister: “No, it’s just the kids messing around out front. So anyway…”

Niece: “Mom! Mom! [Nephew] just put the car in reverse!”

Sister: *click*

(My nephew escaped unharmed, but the car and a tree at the end of the driveway were not similarly spared.)