{Lisa’s POV}
There was something about the way Heri stood beside me that reminded me of the orphanage.
The quietness. The way her eyes watched everything without blinking, like she was afraid it might all disappear if she didn’t memorize it fast enough. Even the way her small hands folded behind her back while I sliced the tomatoes on the counter.
I didn’t know her story. But I’d seen that kind of silence before.
“I used to cut my fingers a lot, you know,” I said casually, holding up a piece of tomato to show her the grip.
When I was sure she heard me, I continued. “My first lesson ended with more blood in the salad than mayo.”
Heri tilted her head slightly, the corner of her mouth twitching. Almost a smile. Almost.
Encouraged, I pushed a bowl closer to her. “Go ahead. Try slicing a
