It was shown by Pham in 1970 (unpublished) that the singularity \(y^3+ayx^6+x^9=0\) deforms to \(E_6+E_8\) only if the parameter \(a\) vanishes. By Looijenga's general theory [\textit{E. Looijenga}, Math. Ann. 269, 357--387 (1984; Zbl 0568.14003)] such a deformation corresponds to a \(K3\) surface containing a certain configuration of curves. It follows that the surface has maximal Picard number and is elliptic; moreover, each fibre is equianharmonic and this condition on the singular fibre implies \(a=0\) above. The same surface can be used to illustrate other such deformations; a second similar example is also discussed.