“You kept this?”
“Of course.”
Her eyes filled with tears again.
Part 3:
“You never told me.”
“You disappeared.”
Mom lowered her eyes.
“Life happened.”
“I know.”
Alaric glanced toward the kitchen.
“Give me five minutes.”
“For what?”
“Your actual dinner.”
Mom laughed.
“I’m not sure I can eat anything now.”
“Then take it home.”
He disappeared through the kitchen doors.
A few minutes later, he returned carrying the plate himself.
Fresh pasta.
Roasted vegetables.
Bread.
And beside everything else…
Another slice of tiramisu.
Mom covered her face.
“Alaric.”
“What?”
“I already had dessert.”
He placed the plate in front of her and smiled.
“Maybe don’t skip dessert this time.”
The entire restaurant burst into laughter.
Mom laughed too.
Not the nervous little laugh she had learned to use whenever she felt uncomfortable.
Not a polite laugh designed to make other people feel better.
She laughed until tears rolled down her face.
