"Father, Mother, we're home." Anya and Richie pushed open the front door together.
This time, Yor and Twilight did not come to greet them together. Only Twilight was there, sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper.
When he saw the two children return, Twilight lowered his newspaper and said evenly:
"Go wash your hands. We'll have dinner when Miss Yor gets home."
Richie gave a quiet "Mm," and Anya replied with an "Okey."
The last glow of sunset had yet to fade. After washing her hands, Anya turned on the television and sat on the floor to watch her spy cartoon, with Bond panting beside her.
Richie brought Sixth Sister out and curled up on the sofa with her.
Unhappy about being taken from her comfortable cat bed, Sixth Sister frowned, shot Richie a dirty look, and went back to sleep.
Richie had no interest in spy cartoons. Contrary to his usual habits, he did not go to sleep and actually read a book beside Twilight instead.
The atmosphere felt somewhat heavy. No one spoke.
As the sky darkened, the print was no longer visible inside the house.
Richie was already fast asleep in a corner of the sofa.
Twilight still held up his newspaper. Though he could no longer see the words, he kept holding it up.
By the time the spy cartoon ended and the wall clock chimed three times, Anya lifted her head in the darkness:
"Father, I'm hungry. When are we eating?"
The moment Richie heard mention of food, he jolted awake, his eyes shining. "Dinner's ready!!"
Twilight glanced at the sky outside and said in a low voice, "We'll wait for Miss Yor and have dinner together."
"Okaaay-" Anya drew out the word, rubbing her restless little tummy.
Richie noticed then that his father seemed