Matilda's breath caught before she said, "No, perhaps it's because I've been sitting in the sun?"
"Mom."
Her daughter suddenly leaned closer, her clear, bright blue eyes looking straight at her. "You look strange."
"How do I?"
"Then why won't you look me in the eye?"
"The sunlight dazzled my eyes."
"Then I'll blow on them and rub them for you, and you can look into my eyes afterward."
"It's not as though I've got sand in my eyes. What good would rubbing them do? Just sit here and rest with me for a while."
Bernadette nodded obediently. "Okay~ But I'd like you to look into my eyes when you say that."
"..."
Matilda squeezed her fingers together, her cheeks gradually flushing with anger!
This little brat...
She was getting completely out of hand!
Matilda steeled herself, ready to become a strict mother and teach Bernadette what respecting her elders meant!
"Mom, are you hiding something from me?"
But Bernadette's next question easily punctured her paper-tiger bluster again.
"Are you..."
Her daughter leaned closer again, her little face tense. "Is there really something between you and Mr. Dubois..."
"???"
Matilda was stunned. "You... why would you think that? I'm just helping your dad pretend we don't remember your birthday."
"Oh."
A glint of mischief flashed through Bernadette's eyes. "So that's what it is?"
"..."
Matilda froze for a moment, then covered her face with her hand. "I don't know anything. Go ask your dad."
"Is Dad at Mr. Sparrow's house?"
"..."
"Is he preparing a surprise for me?"
"..."
"Is the surprise tonight?"
"..."
"Okay, I understand."
Bernadette nodded, turned, and left.
Matilda hurriedly asked in a small voice, "Where are you going?"
"I'm not doing anything. I'm waiting for Dad's surprise."
"Huh?"
A brilliant smile spread across her face.