Maya's POV
My mother made congee. She made it when she wanted to say something she wasn't going to say out loud. It was her language. The specific food meant I see what's happening, and I approve, but I'm not going to discuss it, so eat.
Luca ate two bowls.
My mother watched him eat the second bowl with the expression she reserved for people who understood what food meant. Like he'd passed a final exam she hadn't announced.
Aria was explaining the planting list in detail. Row by row. She'd apparently spent an hour with my mother last night categorizing it and was now presenting it to Luca like a project proposal. He listened with complete attention. Asked specific questions. What were the sun hours on the east bed? Had she considered companion planting? Did she know tomatoes grew bette
