บท 119: Expectation and reality

Penny's plans for the day were… nothing.

Nina was coming home, and she wanted to give Slater a short break to bond with her. They were the closest, and she didn't want to be the villain in their story. 

'Mom and Dad too surely missed her,' she thought, glancing around the dining table where they were eating breakfast. Everyone seemed serious, and she assumed it was because Nina was coming home. 

Were they worried Penny would feel bad if they gave Nina a bit of attention?

'Should I make an excuse and leave today?' she wondered. 'If I'm not around, they wouldn't feel awkward, right?'

"That's it." Suddenly, Charles's enlightened voice slashed through the still air. "Pennies or peonies."

"Huh?" Penny tilted her head to the side. "Yes, Papa?"

Charles slowly shifted his eyes to Penny and nodded. "That's what your fans' club should be called."

"???"