Taki hurried down the hall. Melu caught up from behind and stuck his foot in between her beating legs. Her heart skipped as she tumbled to the floor. She felt her sandal slide off her foot. Melu glided his tongue along the bottom of her foot. From her heel to her big toe. Tears fell from her eyes as Melu sucked on the whole of her big toe.

Mrs. Shina stepped away from the kitchen counter where she was packing the kids' lunches. She peered into the hallway.

"Melu! Stop picking on your sister. Are you two ready for the bus?"

Melu released Taki for the moment and brushed the dust from his knees. He went over to inspect the lunches.

"Awww tuna?! Mom!"

"You can't have peanut chewies every day Melu!", Mrs Shina shouted.

The diesel sound of a bus could be heard in the distance. Melu rushed to get his sneakers. He slid the closet door open. A grin widened on his face.

Taki stood in closet darkness, gripping her teddy. She glared up at Melu with the same teary eyes she had in the hallway.

Melu reached out and grabbed her, mid-arm. With his other hand he ran his fingers behind and into the grooves of her little ear.

"We're just playing, remember?", he said. He lifted his shirt and exposed his belly. He released her arm and the white imprint of where his grip was reddened. He grabbed her by the hair and forced her face into his belly.

"Be happy," he gushed as he slid her teary and snot mixed face back and forth over his belly.

Mrs. Shina tapped Melu on the shoulder. "The bus is here," she whispered. He reached down for his sneaks and ran to the front door.

Taki stood, looking with defeat down through her blurry, teared vision. Only foot had a sandal on. She heard the sound of the springy front door opening.

"Hey sis, lets' go!" Melu shouted.