Peggy jumped into the bed and drew the blankets to her chin. "Damn you, Ricky! That was a dirty trick!"

"I saw you!" he laughed. "I saw you… right through your gown, Mom!"

"You didn't see much," Carolyn interjected.

"I did, too!" he laughed. "I saw plenty!"

"What did you see?" Peggy heard herself ask.

"Something pretty," her son laughed. "It was really pretty."

"Ha!" Carolyn grunted. "You wouldn't know what to do with it if you had it."

"I would, too!" Ricky retorted. "I know more than you think I do. Just because you're two years older, Carolyn, don't mean you know more than I do."

"If you two are going to argue," Peggy said, "please do it quietly. I'm going to sleep."

"I'm going to bed, too," her daughter said. "And you better not pull that trick on me, Ricky."

Peggy thought Carolyn had reminded her brother deliberately. In any event, as Carolyn undressed to her panties, the room was flooded with light once more. Carolyn was caught standing in her panties, but her back was toward Ricky, who was laughing again.

"I see you!" he shouted gleefully. "I can see your panties, Carolyn!"

With a squeal, Carolyn jumped into bed and pulled the blankets to her chin, glaring at her brother.

Peggy had to fight a smile on her face.

"You just wait until you undress," Carolyn threatened.

"I'm gonna take my clothes off under the blankets," Ricky giggled. "I told you I was smart."

"Chicken!" Carolyn taunted him.

"Sure, how many eggs you want?" Ricky laughed as he pulled his clothing off under the blankets.

"That's not fair, is it, Mother?" Carolyn said.

"Don't get me involved," Peggy answered. "Now, both of you, shut up and let's get some sleep."

Peggy was sleeping closest to Ricky's bed. There was about a two-foot separation between them. She lay on her side, facing her son, watching him in the dim light. It wasn't dark at all in the room, what with the thin drapes over the large window. She could see him clearly.