Chapter 372

Effie glanced at Lyman, still a bit shaken. "I... I really don't know what happened. The heat was just so intense."

Lyman gently patted her on the shoulder, his voice soothing. "Don't worry. It's probably just this stove running a little too hot. It's not your fault at all."

Lyman always knew how to comfort people. When things went wrong, he'd blame the tools-the oven, the utensils, the recipe-never the person. In his eyes, how could it ever be Effie's fault? It was always the equipment acting up.

He turned to her, a sudden spark in his eyes. "You know what? I've got this urge to cook. Why don't you go relax in the living room and let me whip something up for you?"

Effie hesitated. "But... isn't that unfair? I promised I'd cook tonight. How about I just help out?"

Lyman could tell there'd be no persuading her otherwise. If he didn't let her stay, she'd never agree to leave the kitchen.

So, Effie busied herself alongside him, though half the time it was unclear what exactly she was helping with. After a flurry of chopping, stirring, and clinking dishes, dinner was finally served. All three at the table breathed a sigh of relief.

"This is delicious," Effie said, grinning.

"That's only because you helped," Lyman replied, smiling back at her. "I couldn't have made anything half as good without you."

"Really?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Really."

a look, their faces

***

the hospital, Suzan lay sprawled on her bed, scrolling aimlessly through her

when can I go home? I'm going stir-crazy here,"

watched her daughter with aching sympathy. Suzan had

but now she

stung even

Adeline hadn't come

visit again-not even

was

to the

than a

Vera furious, but she knew she couldn't confront them.

only make things worse.

iet

well, sweetheart. Just a little while longer, and you be up and

a dramatic sigh, still bored

Shepard

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