Stepping down the stairs, Aaron felt like Cinderella because the stairs were so long, narrow, and cornered. These stairs seem endless, he thought, I'll never reach the bottom.
It felt like it could take him a thousand miles to get to the bottom, so he spent time playing with the stairs before coming down.
Anyone might wonder why he was happy. He didn't know either; somehow, his mood felt lighter. What's wrong with me? Why do I feel good?
Before, he used to be gloomy, but now he seemed happy.
While descending the stairs, Aaron saw Watson, Kris's brother, sitting at the dining table, along with Kris's sister, Lady Annabelle. Great, just what I need,he thought, feeling a wave of unease wash over him.
Aaron already knew that Lady Annabelle hated him, and since he didn't want to sit near someone who disliked him, he bypassed her, making sure to sit far away. He sat in a chair distant from her,
but accidentally found himself in a bit of trouble...he had sat too close to Watson. Why can't I just sit alone?he thought.
Realizing this, Aaron became uneasy. Both times he had interacted with Watson had been uncomfortable for him. Not again,he thought, clenching his jaw.
Watson had said strange things before...things that confused Aaron's mind and made him not want to overthink. Why does he have to be so weird?
He had done his best to avoid Watson, and he was trying again today, even though this was only the second time they'd met.
Maybe I can just ignore him.
"Hey, sister-in-law," Watson's voice broke through Aaron's thoughts. Aaron was just trying to keep his thoughts to himself, but Watson continued.
"Hey, sister-in-law." His voice carried a mocking tone that Aaron never fully understood.
Why does he always have to sound so condescending?
Even though Aaron didn't want to talk to him, he still turned.
"Hi, brother-in-law," Aaron replied, not wishing for more conversation. Please let this be quick, he thought. He stiffened for no apparent reason,
but the presence of both Watson and Lady Annabelle at the table made him feel awkward.
This is going to be uncomfortable.
As he reached for the soup, he mistakenly grabbed a fork instead of a spoon. When he realized his mistake, he heard a chuckle beside him.
It was Watson, laughing at him. Of course, he finds this funny,Aaron thought, feeling embarrassed.
He found Watson annoying, but he knew that Watson didn't harbor as much negative energy toward him as Lady Annabelle did.
He wondered what she was thinking. Is she laughing at me too?
Was she staring at him? Laughing at his mistake? Unable to resist, Aaron turned for a quick glance at her. Just a little peek, but it was enough...his eyes met Lady Annabelle's. Oh no, I shouldn't have looked, he thought.
His body froze, and his neck refused to move. Just look away, he told himself.
He turned back toward his meal like a robot, staring at the soup, Focus on the soup, not her, he thought,
but for some reason, Lady Annabelle's eyes seemed to pop up inside his soup. Why is this happening? Aaron was not enjoying this meal at all.
Lady Annabelle, for her part, watched him with a mix of amusement and disdain. What a fool, she thought, He can't even grab a spoon right.