"Surely you're thirsty, then?" I tried again, but she shook her head. A twinge of disappointment crept into my heart as I began to eat. I was failing to lift her spirits, and that hurt more than I cared to admit.
With a heavy sigh, I confessed my inadequacy, "I don't really know how to reach you, Lucianna, and for that, I'm sorry."
As I was grappling with my thoughts, a flash of inspiration struck me. I observed my father from a distance, tenderly spoon-feeding my mother, their eyes gleaming with shared warmth. A reckless yet heartwarming idea bloomed within me.
With newfound resolve, I reached for a spoonful of roasted chicken and rice, and gently leaned towards Lucianna. My action seemed to jolt her out of her reverie, "What are you doing, Max?" she exclaimed, her face a vibrant shade of red.
"I'm going to feed you," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
"I'm perfectly capable of feeding myself, Max!" Lucianna retorted.
But I noticed a subtle change in her. She was less somber, more present. Encouraged, I smirked, "I won't give up. I'm going to get that spoon in your mouth."
"Max, you're being ridiculous!" Lucianna squealed, a hint of laughter dancing in her voice.
"Just open your mouth, Lucianna."
"Will you stop this madness afterwards?"
I gave her a resolute nod. Hesitantly, she opened her mouth, crossing her arms in an endearing show of defiance. As I guided the spoon to her lips, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Here comes the choo choo train!" in a playful tone.
"Max! This is so embarrassing!" Lucianna rebuked, but there was no denying the blush spreading on her cheeks.
When the morsel finally reached her tongue, I quickly retracted the spoon. "So, how does it taste?"
Her eyes sparkled, her hands found her cheeks in awe, "It's... it's really good, Max!" The joy radiating off her was infectious, and I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me.
Just as I began to relax, I felt a slight pressure as Lucianna leaned closer to me. She looked into my eyes, her expression soft and sincere, "Max, thank you for cheering me up."
I grinned, chest swelling with pride. "Well, it's part of my job description to spread smiles, isn't it?"
At this, she smirked, mischief twinkling in her eyes. "How about I return the favour, Max?" Before I could react, she was poking and prodding my sides, her nimble fingers sending ticklish sensations up my spine.
Caught off guard, I erupted into a fit of laughter, squirming away from her. "Stop, Lucianna! I'm ticklish!" I managed to gasp between fits of laughter.
Her laughter echoed mine, wild and joyous. "Oh, I will keep that in mind for the future. It could prove useful."
From the corner of my eye, I saw my family, Laussinna, Antrodos, Illyanna, and Matterinna, looking on with wide smiles, their eyes soft with affection. My mother's eyes were moist as she looked towards my father, "Our little boy has grown up so fast."
My father, strong and stoic, draped his arm around my mother, his voice a comforting baritone, "He might have grown taller, but he's still our little boy." The depth of their love, their pride for me, made my heart swell with warmth.
A handful of moments later, my mother rose from her chair, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I must excuse myself now, it's almost showtime."
Approaching Lucianna and me, she beamed at us, "You two should come over to our table. We can all enjoy the show together."
Her smirk hinted at a hidden surprise, her eyes sparkling with a zest that was contagious. We shared a mutual nod before pushing ourselves up from our seats, migrating to the table where my father, Matterinna, and Illyanna were already situated.
Taking the centre of the stage, my mother introduced herself, a glint of unhidden pride in her eyes. The warmth of her voice already started to encase the audience, making them lean closer, entranced. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Laussinna. Tonight, I will be singing a song of love that I hope you will enjoy."
Her song began with a slow, enchanting melody, her words floating around the tavern like soft whispers.
*In a world where light dances with shadow,
Where destinies intertwine, we meet,
Under the cerulean sky and starlit night,
We find a love, oh so sweet.
In the heartbeat's rhythm and the breath's rhyme,
In the silent whispers of the wind,
With your hand in mine, eyes interlocked,
A journey of love we begin.
In the laughter shared, in the tears shed,
In the solitude and the crowd,
With each passing day, with each fleeting moment,
Our love gets profound and loud.
In the night's quietude, under the moon's gaze,
A symphony of love we play,
With a promise to cherish, to love and hold,
Until the end of our days.*
As she sung, her voice seemed to melt into the music, filling the air with an atmosphere of serene tranquility. The warmth of her voice, the emotive cadence of the song, everything seemed to weave a fabric of emotion that wrapped around everyone, binding us together in that moment. I could feel my heart beating in rhythm with the song, the words resonating deep within me. Her voice was like a gentle stream, flowing seamlessly and soothing the hearts of the listeners.