My 5-year-old niece, Kiara, was visiting. Noticing that I had a phone message, I hit the speaker button. “Hi, hon,” my boyfriend said. “Real busy at work. Love you. Later.”

Kiara (who had listened intently) said: “Aunt Cindy, that was Brian. He said that he was busy at work so he’d have to love you later.”

Cindy Hendrickson / Gloucester

GOT A GREAT STORY?Tell us at magazine@globe.com.If we print yours, we’ll send you a Boston Globe travel mug and reusable shopping bag. Our supplies are limited, so write in now!