That aquarium has to mean something. No way it’s just decoration, Lil C. reasoned.
-I think so too. Let’s check.
As soon as they stepped closer, the sand erupted. A huge dresser burst out, spraying grit everywhere, and lifted the aquarium onto its top, towering over the children.
-Not bad! Lil C. admired the flourish.
-Meow!
The reply boomed so loud it gave them goosebumps.
They whirled around. A massive cat—three times taller than them—was prowling straight toward the dresser. Clearly, it planned to leap up.
-Shoo! Get back! they shouted in unison. -Don’t touch the innocent fish!
The cat jumped in surprise, glaring at them as if they’d spoken unspeakable blasphemy. His ginger fur bristled, and with an offended snort he turned away.
-I was only going to sip the water. It’s delicious—seaweed and other seasonings give it such an exotic flavor, I must say.
-You could knock it over! Yuki scolded—but her voice softened. -Please don’t, okay?
-Then I’ll let you pet me, Lil C. bargained.
17Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTXDQNSYsj
-No, no! the cat yelped. -I take care of my fur myself—carefully licking and preparing it for the dog beauty contest!
-How would they even let you in? the twins gasped.
-Easy. The huge cat snorted, sat down, and scratched behind his ear. -I’ll tell the judges I’ve got Pekingese blood. And I’ll win the grand prize—because I’ll be the only cat there. And who doesn’t love cats?
-Genius! You’ve thought of everything, Lil C. agreed. -Can you hand us the aquarium?
-I can—though it’s not exactly convenient with paws.
From the ongoing concert came Mami’s wild shout:
-Obedience and discipline above all… except the chorus! Yee-haw!
And Pom-Pom bellowed back in support:
-Mami, Mami—I’m Yummy, Yummy!
Fumbling, the cat finally managed to clutch the glass tank. Yuki’s heart nearly stopped each time it wobbled, looking ready to crash, but at last he passed the now shrunken aquarium safely into her hands.
The twins shook the cat’s paw gratefully and rushed back to the girl, who sat as still as before. Placing the aquarium in front of her, they held their breath…
-It will never break again. It’ll always be with me. Only you, Tanti, love to hear my voice. Everyone else yells and scolds me, but you never judge. The girl stroked the glass gently and began to sing a tender lullaby.
That same melody carried into reality. The children found themselves smiling as they watched the woman happily singing into her broom handle, lost in the joy of her own performance. She was radiant, overflowing with happiness—until a neighbor shouted from the next yard:
-Catty, could you keep it down?! My grandkids are trying to nap!
The singer startled, grabbed her things, and bolted into the house as fast as she could.
The twins exchanged looks. Yuki sighed bitterly.
-Everything we try goes sideways. We want to help, but it turns out the opposite. What kind of noble soul-savers are we?
-Not noble, Lil C. shrugged. -But we’re just learning. So, leave comments below on what we should improve and how we should interact with people and pastries.
-Who are you even talking to? Yuki asked. -You really think anyone besides me will watch your new channel called Lil C.?
-Dad will! the boy said proudly. -And I’ll get Mami and Pom-Pom to subscribe too.
-Fine. Let’s just go home. Our work really isn’t sticking today.
ns216.73.216.10da2
and then Add to home screen.