Dinner eventually came to an end, the plates nearly empty and the earlier tension replaced by a quieter, more settled atmosphere.
Lina’s mother stood, gathering a few dishes. “I’ll take these—”
“I’ve got it,” Nelson said suddenly, already reaching for the plates.
Both Lina and her mother paused.
“You?” Lina asked, narrowing her eyes slightly.
Nelson glanced at her. “Yes, me. Don’t look so shocked.”
Her mother smiled, clearly amused. “That’s kind of you.”
Before Lina could argue, Nelson had already stacked a few plates in his hands and stood up.
He nudged Lina lightly with his elbow. “Come on.”
She frowned. “Why am I coming?”
“Because you live here,” he replied simply, walking toward the kitchen.
Lina sighed but followed him anyway.
—
The kitchen was quieter, the sounds from th
