"Anya," Yor and Kabuto Yakushi said almost at the same time. Then they both stopped and glanced at each other.
"Anya," Yor asked gently, "what would you like to do? Mom will come with you."
"Anya," Kabuto Yakushi said with a warm smile, "what would you like to do today? Dad's up for anything."
Anya looked up at her mother, then at her father. Their thoughts came through loud and clear:
Her mother's thoughts: My wound hurts so much, but I have to make sure Anya has fun. I can't disappoint her.
Her father's thoughts: I'm exhausted! My body feels like it's falling apart, but I can't miss a family outing.
Her father and mother were done fighting. They were tired, but they were still trying their best for Anya!
Anya's little mind raced.
Now it was the strongest Spy, Anya's, turn to protect the family's peace and happiness!
Her big eyes darted about. Then she pointed a little finger toward a neat row of empty loungers and parasols farther down the beach.
"Anya wants to play in the sand!" she announced brightly. Then she pointed at the loungers. "Father and Mother, go sunbathe over there! Anya's going to build a super-big castle, and she needs an audience!"
"Huh?" Yor and Twilight froze together, surprise showing on both their faces.
They looked at their daughter's earnest, slightly sly expression and seemed to understand.
Anya might usually seem carefree, but at times she showed remarkable sensitivity and thoughtfulness.
Warmth welled up inside Kabuto Yakushi. He took off his sunglasses and gave Anya a genuinely relaxed smile.
"Oh? You're building a castle for us to see? Then Dad had better watch closely and learn a thing or two."
Yor relaxed too. Even her chest seemed to hurt less. She crouched and kissed