The afternoon sunlight cast a warm glow over the street, though the cold heavily bored itself as Athlea and I walked side by side.
I could sense her quiet mood, the faint trace of a shadow in her usual brightness. I walked in silence for a while, puzzling over what to say, how to break through the invisible wall that seemed to surround her today. My mind churned with ideas, but none of them seemed quite right. Then, out of nowhere, a simple question came to me.
"So… what are you cooking today?" I asked, peeking down at the grocery bag I carried. "Hmm..probably Fried rice, I guess."
She looked up, a small smile tugging at her lips, and her eyes brightened just a little
"Yes, Fried rice," she said, giving me a look that was both surprised and amused. "How'd you know?"
"Just a wild guess." I grinned, pleased to see the faintest sparkle return to her eyes.
