A Love Trap

After work, Ashley and Ellie went to visit Laura and Brown. The moment they entered the house, the odor of food assaulted their senses. Mesmerized, Ashley took a deep breath, and asked, "Ellie, do you know who's cooking? It smells so good!"

Ellie didn't respond. Instead, she walked straight to the kitchen where she was not surprised to find Laura cooking and tinkering in there. She sighed and said, "Grandma, I told you to let me do the cooking! You and Grandpa just need to relax and wait for dinnertime."

Laura's wrinkled face brightened as she cracked a warm smile. When she saw how upset Ellie was, she said softly, "You get tired enough after your work, and I don't really have anything to do the whole day. I knew you'd be home soon, so I decided to cook you something. I just wanted you to have a nice, warm dinner when you came home." Laura turned back to the pan and got busy with flipping the meat.

"Sweetheart, you don't have to worry about us. Your grandma and I are okay! We really don't like sitting around and doing nothing. Just let us do something for you. Okay?" said Brown as he helped Laura with the cooking.

Ashley pulled on Ellie's sleeve and said, "Ellie, your grandparents are just trying to help. They don't want you to overwhelm yourself by trying to handle everything. They just want to do whatever they can to make your life easier. They are getting used to the busy life back home. Cooking for you is the least they can do. Just let them do it."

Ellie pursed her lips and without uttering a word, she left the kitchen.

Ashley frowned as she watched Ellie leave. But she decided to say hi to Brown and Laura before talking to Ellie. Entering the kitchen, she wore a big smile as she greeted Ellie's grandparents. "Hello, Brown! Hey, Laura! How are you? I've really missed you!" She hugged them tightly.

"Ash, I haven't see you in forever! I am good. How have you been? You look prettier than the last time I saw you," Laura said, looking Ashley up and down.

"Thank you, Laura. I'm flattered. You look amazing! You are so full of energy, just like a twenty-year-old girl! And Brown, you look much better now!" Ashley complimented them.

"Oh, you are such a sweet girl!" said Laura, beaming.

Brown smiled at Ashley, but his eyebrows were still bunched in confusion. He looked in the direction that Ellie had stormed off in and asked, "Did we say anything wrong that upset Ellie?"

Ashley responded hurriedly, "Oh, no! I am sure she is not upset. You treat her so well. She was probably touched by what you do for her, and didn't want to burst into tears in front of you."

They looked apprehensive and sad, which sort of broke Ashley's heart a little. So she decided to change the topic. "What are you making, Laura? It smells so good! May I try it?"

It's just a dish from my village. Ellie used to enjoy it a lot as a kid. I'd love for you to

I can't wait to try it!" Ashley responded

talk with Laura and Brown as she

dinner was ready, Ashley set up the table. She glanced around for Ellie but she wasn't in the living room. She said to Laura, "Ellie is probably in the

walked up to the bedroom and knocked

in," Ellie's voice sounded.

and looking out when Ashley walked in. Ashley couldn't tell what was on

crying?" Ashley asked

"No,

okay and didn't take her answer. "I don't

mirror and examined her eyes

So she made up

the wind. It blew too

said, "Your grandparents are outside waiting for you to come to dinner. Don't make them wait too long and worry. Pull yourself

to leave but Ellie's

Ash," Ellie

walked up to Ellie and hugged her, as if to reassure her. "We are best friends, Ellie. There's no need for you to thank me. As long as you are happy, your grandparents will be happy. They had such a hard time these past years. Don't make them worry about you. Okay?" Ashley said, her voice comforting.

nodded in agreement as

Ellie had finished cleaning up,

that Brown and Laura were trying to say something to Ellie, but they didn't know

to help them. She said, "Brown? Laura? Is there something you want to