Annie stood at the edge of the swing set, clutching a bright red ball in her tiny hands, her eyes fixed on the back porch where Penny sat reading a book. "Penny, come play with me!" she called hopefully.

Penny looked up from her book, a hint of annoyance crossing her face. "I can't right now, Annie. I'm busy," she replied, trying to focus on her story. Annie's hopeful expression faltered, but determination gleamed in her eyes.

Annie wandered around, occasionally glancing back at the porch. "Please, Penny, just for a little while?" she pleaded, her voice tinged with longing. Penny sighed, closing her book reluctantly.

Penny stood up, brushing crumbs from her lap. "Okay, fine. What do you want to play?" she asked, trying to mask her reluctance. A broad smile spread across Annie's face, and she bounced with excitement.

Annie's giggles were contagious, and soon, Penny found herself laughing along. "Tag, you're it!" Annie shouted gleefully, dodging her sister's playful swipes.

Penny ruffled Annie's hair affectionately. "That was fun, Annie. We should do this more often," she admitted, her earlier irritation forgotten. Annie beamed, leaning against her big sister with a contented sigh.