Kyoko walked gracefully up to Tetsuhiro with a beaming smile, hugged his arm, and asked affectionately, "What can I do for you?"
"Squat down."
Tetsuhiro had her bend down and turn sideways for the children to see.
The little white rabbit sprang out, bouncing back and forth.
"They really are there!"
"That's amazing!"
The children showed no reaction, their attention fixed entirely on the ears. Only Tetsuhiro got an eyeful.
And what a lovely sight it was.
Smiling, he patted Kyoko's bottom to signal that she could stand up.
Kyoko's cheeks flushed slightly. She hugged Tetsuhiro's arm again, nestling her whole body against him.
Enjoying her softness, Tetsuhiro continued, "You understand now, right? As long as you take proper safety precautions, you can play in the water without worrying. With me here, I won't let anything happen to you."
"Okay... I'll give it a try."
The chubby boy's eyes darted away as he hesitantly inched forward, squeezing the yellow duck swim ring around him until it looked ready to slip off.
"Very good. Hold my hand and take it slowly. Relax, and imagine you're a little fish swimming carefree through the water."
Tetsuhiro slipped free of Kyoko and walked over with his hand outstretched.
"A little fish? I'm a little fish. I'm a little fish." Chubby held Tetsuhiro's large hand, closed his eyes, and murmured to himself.
Gradually, he relaxed a little, and his body stopped tensing up.
When he opened his eyes, the anxiety had vanished from his gaze. He could even sweep his other hand back and forth across the water.
"Haha! I'm a little fish!"
Seeing how much fun he was having, the other children gradually worked up the courage to try entering the water too.
Tetsuhiro smiled as he guided them one by one. Anyone who