"Telling her a lie seems likely to spiral out of control really fast. I mean, I'm not sure I understand how you got so old without me, so I can see where a five-year-old would have trouble, but lying to family usually ends up with someone dumped in the midden. Either literally or metaphorically."

She shrugged, her voice picking up a bit of amusement. "But since you're so responsible now, I'm sure you'll come up with a better idea."