Birthday!

Mrs. Walton rushed over with a thick towel and said in exasperation, "The water is so cold. Must you learn to swim at this time? Also, Mia is a girl. How can you take off your clothes when you swim?!"

Amelia happened to swim to the shore and shouted, "I'm not naked, I'm not naked. Grandma, I'm still wearing a pair of underwear!"

Alex scooped Amelia up and quickly took the towel from Mrs. Walton's hand. He wrapped Amelia up and began to run. As he ran, he said, "Cold water trains one's will!"

Mrs. Walton stood rooted to the ground, cursing. Her heart ached. When she saw that Alex and Amelia had run out of sight, the expression on her face faded. She walked back silently. Mia had to train. She didn't seem to be able to do anything but feel sorry for them. In just a week, Mia had lost weight. Her small, round face was now showing her sharp chin.