We both ordered.
She picked a tofu stew with rice and a side of kimchi. I went for a basic curry—extra spice, double portion of rice.
When the food arrived, neither of us spoke for a while.
We just ate.
And honestly? That was better.
Keira took slow, careful bites at first, but once the first spoonful went down, she didn't stop. She wasn't dainty or graceful about it either. Her chopsticks moved quickly, almost like she was scared the food might disappear again.
I didn't say anything. Just let her eat.
Halfway through, she let out a quiet sigh.
"...I was really proud of that lunch, you know."
I glanced up from my plate.
She wasn't crying anymore, but her gaze had dropped to her bowl, unfocused. Her voice was soft, like she wasn't even sure she wanted to be heard.
"I woke up early. Way earlier than I usually do. I steamed the rice twice because the first batch felt too mushy. And the carrots—I cut them into stars because I thought that would be cute. Stupid, huh?"
