......
Little Gary paused and waited in the hallway. After a moment he heard Maria's voice again, "Daddy, I'm sorry. I shouldn't bother Gary and Ernest and disturb them from resting. "
She was getting more and more sensible.
Zachary was happy from the bottom of his heart.
She said honestly, "I did it on purpose. I just wanted to see if they could stay up later than me, but they are really weak. They fainted after only a night. I think Gary faked it all, but like you said, jokes go two ways. I won't laugh at him anymore as I don't want to be laughed at either."
"Good girl. You're the best." He was very pleased. He picked up his daughter and said, "If you see Little Gary and Ernest later, remember to apologize."
"It's a little embarrassing to apologize," she said. "Do you think they'll laugh at me?"