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She flushed, keeping quiet.
“We have to treat that first.” I got the first-aid box.
She winced when I cleaned the wound with sterile wipes, clutching the upholstery.
“You should not wear those shoes again for now,” I said. “It’s friendly advice.”
She was mute and didn’t speak till I finished.
“Thank you,” she sprang to her feet and returned to the kitchen. I rejoined her.
She was microwaving the meal that had then been transferred to flat porcelain plates.
“Thai food,” I mused, inhaling the aroma that overwhelmed the space between us.
Though I expected her to say a few words of comment, she didn’t. The doorbell rang again, and then I went to get the door.
It was Cherie, and she wanted to know whether I had a pair of pruning shears. I gave it to her and returned to the kitchen.
Fiona was reaching for a spice jar on one of the high shelves but she couldn’t get hold of it. I ambled towards her and reached for it.
She suddenly turned, almost throwing me off balance. We could have recorded a broken jar that night, but that was nothing compared to the shock on her face.
“Are you okay?” I must have startled her.
I watched as she calmed down.
“Yes,” she collected the jar and turned back to the counter.
“You’ve been acting quite strange since this morning,” I decided to let her know what was on my mind.
“Me?” She touched her chest.
“Yes, you.”
She made a face and focused on the task at hand.
“I think you are overthinking it.” She replied.
“Well, I doubt I am.”
“Dinner’s ready.” She came out of the kitchen.
We ate our food in silence. Afterwards, I gave her the Bonsai tree.
“It’s beautiful,” she slowly smiled after all this time. I was truly relieved.
“What does it mean? It’s art, isn’t it?”
“The client said it is symbolic of patience and discipline. It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity.”
“It’s lovely. Are you sure I can take it with me?” Her eyes twinkled.
“A hundred percent.” I chuckled at her innocence.
“Thank you,” she beamed a smile.
“But I want something in return.”
