That's when Kai Piers stood up and turned around, only to see Aurora Dupont standing not far behind him.
"Dinner is ready."
Aurora, seeing that he had noticed her, gently said this before walking back towards the dining room.
Kai nodded, responding: "Okay, I will be there in a minute."
As he continued to nod, he stood up and headed off to the dining room.
Watching Aurora's retreating figure, Kai was lost in thoughts, not quite knowing what to say.
Ever since they returned home, this had been their interaction - none of them started any conversation, and if they did, it was superficial.
Kai entered the dining room, sat down at his usual spot, and began to eat slowly.
It was as if he was an automaton, mechanically eating his food and listening to the clatter of chopsticks and crockery.
Mila's voice occasionally piped up: "Mommy, I want that!"
"Alright, mommy will get it for you."
"Mommy, I want soup!"
"Okay, I'll get some for you. It's a little hot, be careful."
