A Graduation Gift

Cassandra felt awful to see Rufus's convulsed expression. Edith had not only slighted Rufus while he was eating, but also failed to show basic hospitality at the dining table. This was in abrupt contradiction to how she had behaved when Arthur came for dinner the other day. But to her surprise, Rufus wasn't mad at her.

"I'll take you to visit my father this afternoon," Cassandra said affectionately, trying to distract herself from Edith's ill behavior before it got to her.

She put her hand on top of his, looking deep into his eyes with a wholesome smile.

Rufus looked back at her with a similar expression. Everything was understood, and no words of compensation were required.

Rufus didn't care about whether his meal was simple or extravagant. As long as he spent his time with Cassandra, nothing bothered him.

Edith stood alone in the kitchen as they ate. Listening to their hearty laughter and chatting, she couldn't help but peep through to the door to look at them.

And what she saw really surprised her. Rufus took Cassandra's bowl by his hands, scooped up some egg drop seaweed soup into it, placed the bowl in front of her carefully, and then put a white porcelain spoon on her plate, all in one go.

Cassandra looked at his swift movements with a sweet and admiring smile on her face, and then took the spoon to have some soup.

She didn't her hair today. A lock of it fell in front of her face as she bent low to drink from the bowl. Rufus reached out for the strands, cleaned them with a tissue and put them behind her ear.

Every movement he made was gentle and natural. He looked at Cassandra as if he was looking at a priceless gem.

For most part, she didn't even realize how lovingly he gazed at her. She was simply busy with her soup. Truth was, she was already used to the feeling of Rufus's body next to her. His touches, his smiles, his glances...everything was like home to her.

It only took a split-second for Edith's heart to be touched by the scene.

was always a sense of tension between them when they sat to have their meals together.

cotton. She couldn't move her

but she stayed there, not moving an inch. She didn't know what

weird mix of feelings. As a mother, all she wanted was for her

walked toward the kitchen.

and I are going to visit father this afternoon. Do you

hoping to eliminate some tension

way out. She was about to say yes to Cassandra when Cloris came

have dinner with us tonight. Please prepare something good!" she said unkindly. It almost sounded like an

provocatively. Certainly, she overheard what Cassandra had said to Edith just before

She was torn

best to hide the unpleasantness on her

Rufus and

kitchen quietly, trying to appear

but couldn't utter anything. All she did

her mother's face. Her

Mother. Let's go and get some ingredients!" she urged, pulling Edith's hand.

days since Cloris had last seen Arthur. She

go," Edith said, nodding absentmindedly.