Peter and Jane, twins of ten, tumble out of the car, their faces alive with excitement at the promise of summer freedom. Their Grandma, sturdy and smiling, waves from the porch, her apron fluttering in the breeze, while Grandpa leans on his cane, eyes twinkling beneath gray brows. "Come on, Jane! Last one to the barn is a rotten egg," calls Peter, and the children burst into laughter, racing past rows of blooming sunflowers.

Jane, restless and daring, scoops up a handful of smooth stones, her eyes glinting with mischief as Peter watches from the swing. "Bet I can hit that old bucket by the fence," she brags, winding her arm. The stone arcs through the air—but instead of the bucket, it strikes Grandpa's favorite duck square on the head, and in a terrible instant, the bird collapses, lifeless in the grass.

Jane stares, horrified, tears prickling her eyes. Peter sprints over, glancing nervously towards the house. "I didn’t mean to! Peter, what do I do? Grandpa’s going to be so mad," she whispers, her voice trembling. "We’ll just get rid of it, Jane. If nobody knows, nobody gets in trouble. But you have to promise me something…"

Peter wipes his hands, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Now, every time we eat, you give me your meat. If you don’t, I’ll tell everyone about the duck," he bargains, his tone low and persuasive. Jane, guilt-ridden and desperate, nods quickly, sealing her secret with a silent promise as the first stars blink overhead.

Jane[/@ch_2] reluctantly slides her meat onto Peter’s plate, her appetite dulled by worry.] Peter grows bolder, sometimes reaching over and snatching it himself, smirking as he whispers, "D…u…c—" Jane winces, caving each time, the weight of the secret growing heavier. Grandpa searches for his duck, asking in vain, but after a while, the questions stop and the house returns to uneasy normalcy.

Jane[/@ch_2] can bear it no longer. She finds Grandma shelling peas by the window, her voice trembling as she spills the truth.] "Grandma, I’m so sorry. I killed Grandpa’s duck by accident and I was so scared to tell him. Peter made me promise to give him my meat so he wouldn’t tell," Grandma listens quietly, her hands pausing in the bowl, then pulls Jane into a gentle hug. "Everyone makes mistakes, Jane. It’s better to be honest than burdened by secrets. Let’s talk to Grandpa together,"

Jane[/@ch_2] stands before Grandpa, her shoulders squared. The old man listens as she confesses, his face unreadable.] "I’m glad you told the truth, Jane. I was saving that duck for your farewell dinner, but accidents happen. Next time, be careful where you throw your stones," Jane breathes easier, relief washing over her as Grandpa ruffles her hair, a warm smile breaking through his sternness.

Peter[/@ch_1] slyly tries to reach for Jane’s meat once more.] "D…u…c—" he begins, only to have Jane slap his hand away, grinning boldly. "Duck! There, I said it. I killed Grandpa’s duck, and everyone knows. No more meat for you, Peter," The table erupts in laughter as Jane reclaims her freedom, savoring her meal and the newfound lightness in her heart.