"Nothing," she said quickly. "I heard from Teacher Howard that you've been studying medicine abroad. How long do you plan to stay this time?"
Just then, Teacher Howard's voice came from behind them. "Griffin, you're not getting any younger. How can you keep floating around abroad? Fortunately, a domestic hospital has offered you a position to return and lead. He plans to stay in the country for the time being."
"That sounds good," Emerald said with a smile. "I'll get to spend more time with the teacher in the future."
She continued arranging the flowers, not thinking of herself as an outsider in this warm, familiar space. She then took the fruits she brought and headed to the kitchen to wash them.
As she lifted the white curtain in the kitchen, which read "Three Meals for Four Seasons," a tall figure appeared behind her.
