Frostbound

"Aarrgghhh," I bellowed as I chased after the little munchkins that hadn't left me alone for most of the day. "You better hope your little legs can carry you faster than that or I'm gonna getcha."

"Hahaha" Children's' laughter was the only response as they both little ones tried to run faster than their little bodies would carry them.

It only took a few more strides until I caught up with them and gave them their due punishment.

"Look out, you've awakened the tickle monster," after that statement began their consequences.

"Hehehehe, Uncle-hehe-Topher-hehe-stop-hehe," they both said back to me, but it was too late, they deserved a few more seconds.

After that time was up, "Sigh, alright fine," I said as I stopped the punishment. Before they could scurry off somewhere I reached down and picked them both up with one in each arm. "Let's go get you two washed up for dinner before your mom starts yelling at me."

Both children looked at each other for a second before the smaller one looked up at me and said "Aww, come on Uncle Topher, just a couple more minutes, dinner isn't even ready yet."

"No can do buckaroo, your mother tasked me with getting you two cleaned up while she sets the table. We don't want your mom angry with me now do we," I tried to give them both my best parent glare but it probably came off as more of a curious eyebrow raise based on their snickers.

"Fiiiine," they both huffed in annoyance and settled in for the shoulder ride they were getting to the restroom.

"Uncle Topher, are you scared of Mom?" the older one jabbed trying to scheme a few more minutes of playtime out of me.

"Now that's a hefty accusation little Anna. One day you'll learn that discretion is the better part of valor." I replied, which was definitely not a deflection to the question.

"What does dis-cre-tion mean?" the younger one sounded out.