Before.

That is commonly heard in our house now.

I wanted it before.

I wanted you to unbuckle me before -insert name-.

Why didn't you get me that before?

Well I hate to tell you girls. Before is gone. done. never to be here again.

It is now later, and you can take it or leave it.

I can no longer get your your milk *before* I answer the phone.

I can't give you your plate of food before I give your sister hers. I already gave her hers. It cannot be undone.

You can cry
scream
kick
hit
yell
Whatever form of rebellion you choose.

But before is gone.

Later.