Ivy stood upright, hiding behind Kate, too timid to speak.
She hadn't expected to be late for their first meeting; surely, this would leave a poor first impression.
Whispering from behind Kate, Ivy said, "What should we do? We're late—it's all my fault."
"Why are you here so early? The dishes haven't even been served yet," said the gentle middle-aged woman with a smile. "It seems I didn't arrive early enough."
Ivy stepped out from behind Kate, mustering the courage to speak: "I'm sorry, Mrs. Stone, we're late. I accidentally fell asleep in the car."
Kate's mother replied, "There's nothing to apologize for. You've been working so hard filming; you need to seize every moment to rest."
She paused and added, "Besides, it seems you're still growing, Ivy—you should sleep more."
If there were a kettle atop her head, it would surely be boiling by now.
Stammering, Ivy said, "I think I've already passed the age of growing—I'm an adult now."
