Enchanted Nightfall: Falling for Destiny

Mrs. York came downstairs only to find Tyrone and Quintessa very close to each other, with Tyrone half-leaning over Quintessa. Her cheeks flushed red as she cleared her throat, "Ahem, mind your manners!" Tyrone, with a slight smirk, not only didn't back off but kissed Quintessa on the cheek before saying, "Mom, I want spaghetti alle vongole."

Mrs. York huffed, "Be glad there's anything for you at all. Don't be picky with me."

Despite her words, Wilma brought out two plates of spaghetti alle vongole from the kitchen a few minutes later.

Long strands of spaghetti mixed with a white wine-infused sauce, tender clams, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley made the dish exquisitely inviting.

Mrs. York removed her apron, handed it to Wilma, and told them both, "Eat up while it's hot, and hurry on out after you're done."

Despite her seemingly dismissive tone, she couldn't help but remind them the dish was hot and to be careful not to burn themselves.

The plate in front of her made Quintessa paused. Memories from long ago were suddenly evoked, transporting her back in time. She was an 8-year-old girl again, hearing her mother's gentle advice. "Quinn, be a dear and finish your meal, okay? Mommy will be back soon."

"Quinn, if someday I can't cook for you, you still have to eat well, no pickiness, you hear?"

"Quinn, even if I'm not by your side, you must always be brave and strong."

And then, she never came back.

back to reality. She couldn't look

Quintessa picked up her fork, her hands trembling. The lightweight spaghetti

up the noodles several times, Mrs. York commented, "What's with you, eating like a child? Can't handle a fork? Here, take

"How does it taste?"

her head low, nodding, "It's

something

mother's cooking. Quintessa's hands shook even more, tears threatening to fall. Each bite of spaghetti felt like a stone lodged in her chest, painfully

UMS

a

being so picky," Mrs. York retorted, visibly more

more in the

12.

Quintessa a concerned once-over. "Let me tell you, girls, skinny isn't beautiful. Starving yourself can only bring trouble. Why suffer for others'

concerns overwhelmed Quintessa. Her tears broke free, and

her fork and abruptly said, "I'm sorry, I have something urgent. I have

family home without her bag,

was wrong, Tyrone said,