Elias was just elevating the chair back to its standard upright position when the door creaked open an. Sienna, still hovering near her husband, stood with a suspiciously triumphant smile. But she froze in place, while Elias's ears twitched nervously when they heard Ali's chuckle. They both looked guilty, like children caught sneaking sweets before dinner.
Ali burst in first, pan clutched in her small hands like the perfect warrior's weapon. She narrowed her eyes at her parents. "What are you two doing?" she demanded, brandishing the pan as though ready to strike. "Papa, did you try to bully mama again when I was not looking?" She raised her hand. "Wait...mama, why do you look like you are hiding something?"
Elias coughed, ears twitching in embarrassment. "You are not a detective. Put the pan down and stop questioning us."
