Publicity Plan Rejected

Miki gave a little whimper.

Her short little legs kicked twice in midair.

Kazuki drew his hand back and turned to look at Eri.

"Mom, is my little sister hungry?"

Eri leaned over and took a look. "Probably not. It's been less than an hour since she was fed. She's just stretching."

Kazuki let out a breath in relief.

He stood up, walked to the other end of the crib, and picked up a plastic rattle.

His wrist shook.

The rattle made a crisp dong-dong sound.

Miki's gaze was drawn by the sound. Her eyes moved, turning toward Kazuki.

"Look here, Miki. I'm your big brother." Kazuki lowered his voice, imitating the tone adults used to coax children.

He had the little-adult act down perfectly.

Nakayama Takuya pushed the door open and walked in.

"Dad." Kazuki stopped shaking the rattle and ran over to hug his leg.

"Didn't go play in the yard today?" Nakayama Takuya naturally picked his son up and weighed him in his arms. Kazuki had grown quite a bit heavier again.

"I have to take care of my little sister. Grandma said big brothers have to protect little sisters." Kazuki looped his arms around his father's neck, answering with great seriousness.

Eri stood up and came over to straighten his shirt collar. "Why are you so early today? Finished handling things at the company?"

"Oguchi did all the work. If I stayed in the office, I'd just be reading the newspaper." Nakayama Takuya set Kazuki down and walked to the crib.

Nakayama Miyuki shifted aside, making room. "Takuya, come look. Miki's eyebrows have grown in a lot.

"She looks more and more like Eri."

Nakayama Takuya bent down.

Little Miki had her black-and-white eyes open, looking at the adult leaning close.

She neither cried nor fussed.