?“Daddy! I can hear you!”

  ?The daughter was busy tugging at Tora, putting on a big show of pretending she couldn't move an inch.

  ?“Let’s hit the lake after dinner. I heard it glows at night.”

  ?“Please, not at night,” the Professor interjected. “Though it’s true—it really does glow.”

  ?“Then it’s settled!!”

  ?Wait, what?!

  ?The entire group stared at the father, collectively questioning his sanity.

  ?“Tora’s coming too, right?”

  ?I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Looks like we’re stuck witnessing this eccentric father-daughter duo’s expedition.

  ?“Now, 'Professor'—you’ve been hunting for the elements of life, haven't you? I happened to dig up that paper you wrote last year about the lake.”

  ?Cunning. Absolute snake.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  It’s not the lake, it’s the sea, Ten had told us. Was he even listening?

  ?Phoebe watched them, realizing just how closely people actually observe one another.

  ?“Should I read it out loud right here?”

  ?“Give it a rest already!”

  ?“Then shut up and come with us.”

  “...”

  ?If I refuse, he’s going to read it right here? Give me a break! It’s opening day and he’s already extorting the guests?

  ?“I even kept it a secret from Letty. You’re welcome, by the way.”

  ?Oh, I should be grateful? While I'm being kidnapped into this?

  ?“Deep down, you’re the one who wants to go most. Anyone who reads this paper can see that. Honestly, I want to know why you haven’t set foot there yet.”

  ?I wasn't trying to hide the paper.

  It wasn't some sacred secret, like a crane weaving its feathers into silk. It was just a supplementary commentary I’d tucked away in the back of my bookshelf for fun.

  ?“I might just have a nose for being a pioneer. You’re looking at the guy who’s gonna spark the next Gold Rush!”

  ?“Stop talking like there’s buried treasure in a salt cave. Ten, back me up here.”

  ?Ten wasn't there.

  ?I’d have to leave her to watch the place this evening. You can't drag a minor into an expedition that's way past 'overtime' and firmly in 'dangerous' territory.

  ?“COOOOMMANDER!!”

  ?Letty let out a yell. She’d probably mixed up the black cat Tasha’s name and was now calling her "Commander" as she cuddled her. I could have sworn Ten whispered the right name to her.

  ?“The Commander is staying behind!!”

  ?The father finally rushed over and scooped up the cat.

  ?“Alright team, the car seats four. Hurry up and get ready!”

  ?He threw his voice, doing a little "cat dubbing" for the whole group.

  ?“ROGER THAT, COMMANDER!!”

  ?His daughter’s excitement was officially hitting the ceiling.