"I'd never do something like that." Efnir pursed her lips, then smiled teasingly. "She's doing fine. I've always shown you photos of her, but she's grown taller and filled out now. I'm afraid you might not even recognize her in person."
"Is that so... I suppose so. After all, big brother has already picked his little sister up from school~" Mother chuckled secretly. "I thought she'd still be in class, so I didn't call her. I wanted to surprise her, but you beat me to it..."
"It doesn't really matter, does it..." Black lines appeared at Efnir's brow.
"Of course it matters. We finally got the chance to prepare a 'surprise,' and you stole the credit. What are your father and I supposed to do?"
"..."
A burst of carefree laughter came from the other end. Efnir could practically picture her mother covering her mouth, unable to hide the upturned corners of her eyes.
Although she had not lived with her mother and father for a long time, the close bond between her parents, herself, and Yukina had undoubtedly never faded or been forgotten.
"Well, it's been so long since we last saw each other..."
The laughter gradually died down, and her mother suddenly spoke with emotion.
"Watching Yukina slowly grow up in those photos feels like a dream, like it isn't real. Naoto, you've worked hard all these years. Your father and I have both let you and your sister down."
"Come on, don't say that." Efnir turned the steering wheel as the car drove out of the underground garage, and the view outside the windows brightened. "Yukina and I have always been fine. That's because we had your care too, so please don't say things like that."
Her mother only smiled and did not dwell on the subject.