"Claire, how was your first day at work? Are you settling in okay?" Mrs. Zeller asked, handing her a freshly sliced apple.
"It was fine! My coworkers are very friendly and easy to get along with." Claire replied, silently adding, *Though one particular person was downright awful.* She bit fiercely into the apple, pretending it was a piece of Lucas she could sink her teeth into. Somehow, that made her feel better.
"How about Lucas? Has he been treating you well, or is he giving you a hard time? If he is, let me know, and I'll straighten him out for you," Mrs. Zeller offered, a fierce protectiveness in her eyes that made Claire smile.
"Oh, no, not at all. Lucas has been… very considerate," Claire replied, laughing at the thought of Mrs. Zeller, ready to confront her own son on her behalf. It was endearing and made her feel truly welcomed.
"Claire, there's something I've been meaning to say, but I'm not sure how to start." Mrs. Zeller's hand clasped hers, gently patting the back of Claire's hand, as if trying to summon the courage to continue.
"Is it about Lucas?" Claire asked, sensing her hesitation.
"Yes, but I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable or put you in a difficult position." Mrs. Zeller's voice wavered with concern.
Claire paused, frowning slightly before giving her a reassuring look. "You don't have to worry, Mom. Whatever you need to say, just say it. I'll answer you honestly."
Mrs. Zeller hesitated a moment longer, then asked, "Claire, I can tell you're already aware of Lucas's condition, aren't you?"
Claire nodded, her heart twinging as she saw the hope and worry mingling in Mrs. Zeller's eyes.
"And… you really don't mind?" Mrs. Zeller's grip tightened a little, her face filled with anticipation.
Claire bit her lip. To say it didn't matter would be a lie. But she couldn't allow herself to be shallow, not after everything the Zellers had done for her family. Her late father had always reminded her of how indebted they were to the Zellers. In his words, "If the Zellers asked you to walk into fire, you wouldn't hesitate." Moreover, Mr. and Mrs. Zeller had treated her as if she were their own daughter. How could she refuse them now?
Taking a deep breath, Claire smiled and said, "Mom, I already promised I wouldn't leave him, and I'll keep that promise."
Hearing this, Mrs. Zeller's eyes sparkled with gratitude, and her voice trembled. "Claire…"
"Mom, why are you crying?" Claire asked, startled. "Did I say something wrong?" She quickly reached for some tissues, unsure of how to comfort her.
"Oh, it's nothing, my dear! I'm just so happy, that's all." Mrs. Zeller laughed as she dabbed at her tears.
Just then, a faint sound of footsteps came from the stairs.
Claire glanced up, her gaze meeting Lucas's piercing, icy eyes.
*Wait… Why is he looking at me like that?* Did he think she'd told his mom about his making her take the bus? *What a petty man!*
She glared back at him, her look saying, *So what if I did? What are you going to do about it?*
Lucas raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. *Had "Snail Girl" grown a backbone? She actually dared to challenge him?*
"Lucas, are you going to stand there all day, or are you coming over?" Mrs. Zeller interrupted their silent battle with a sly grin.
Lucas coughed, clearing his throat as he walked over to his mom.