"Do you not like talking to me, A-ma?" Daphne asked.

Only the jolt of hearing Daphne's voice made Tubby realize she'd been about to nod off. "Of course I like talking to you. Why would you ask that?"

"We haven't said anything for..." Daphne looked at her watch, then shrugged. "I don't know how long."

"I don't think that's true, sweetie. We talked about why ice cream is better than cookies."

Daphne gave Tubby a stern look. "Not today we didn't, A-ma."

"Oh," Tubby said. "I'm sorry." She couldn't stifle a yawn. "Sweetie, A-ma's very tired today. Is it all right if I take a little nap?"

Daphne shrugged and turned back to her problem set. Tubby could see it was not all right, but it did not stop her from sleeping.