Skye took the racket from Anya's hand while the latter was still being disciplined.
"Play seriously," Georgia told her.
Skye returned to the opposite side and this time the exchange lasted much longer.
She was not hitting hard, but her returns were always inconvenient. Georgia had to stretch, twist, or step awkwardly every time. The ball kept going to the corners, the edge, or dipping low after the bounce.
Georgia's competitive spirit rose at once.
She struck harder, finally finding out about the charm of smashes in Table Tennis.
Skye matched her, still without apparent effort.
Anya circled the table like a commentator. "Our quiet sister is actually sinister."
Averie bounced in place with excitement. "Hit harder. Harder."
Georgia did.
The smash came down fast and vicious, aimed to finish the point.
But Averie, who had wandered too close to the side, did not move away.
Thwack.
The little ball hit her chest with a sharp sound.
