"I really am trying, Mari," he said. "I don't want to disappoint you."
Mari looked at him seriously, then smiled.
"Sunny," she said, "I'm not going to leave you until you do it perfectly. You've worked so hard for this, I know you can do it. Do you think I would be satisfied with anything less than perfection?"
Sunny shook his head, releasing a small whimper. "No," he replied. "You wouldn't. That's why it makes me so mad when I mess up like that."
Mari giggled softly, reaching out to brush a lock of hair away from Sunny's face. "Don't get frustrated, little brother," she cooed, leaning in close to him. "Just focus on doing what I tell you. Besides... If you do well, there'll be a reward waiting for you."
Sunny shivered involuntarily, feeling his heartbeat speed up in his chest. He couldn't help but wonder what the reward would be, his mind conjuring up a variety of possible rewards. Perhaps she would treat him to something sweet or delicious?
"Mari," he said softly, "what kind of reward?"
Mari pressed her lips together and grinned slyly. Her dark eyes twinkled mischievously, and Sunny felt his cheeks heat up.