His Eagle Eyes on Me

She picked up her spoon, scooped up a chunk of meat, and took a bite. She instantly choked on the spice.

She tossed the spoon and hastily poured herself a glass of water.

"Why is this so spicy? Did I put in too much pepper?" she mumbled to herself.

The stew smelled perfect, but it was far too spicy for Layla's liking.

She was used to the lighter flavors of meals at home, and though she would occasionally dine out with her friends, she could only tolerate food that was mildly spicy.

After finishing her water, she sat back down in her chair and thought of ways to get rid of the spice. Finally, she placed a bowl of water next to her and submerged the meat in the water to wash off some of the spices, so that she would not choke again, before taking another bite.

Just then, her phone started ringing.

It was a video call from Avery, and Layla immediately answered it.

"Darling, I saw the photos you posted. Are you having stew tonight?" Avery asked.

to you." Layla adjusted the camera and showed Avery the steaming pot of stew. "I made this

to it as she was too embarrassed to admit that she had

It must be quite spicy,

than what I'm used to,

dinner, and there're plenty of leftovers! The

in Layla's throat. "Mom, I'm just a forty-minute drive away from you. If you say things like

on your own, I will try and get used

to face

followed me into the room when he found out that I'm video calling you." Avery immediately directed the camera at

an explosion of

troublesome to cook it yourself. saw the photo and it looks so spicy. Are you sure you can eat it?

was so worried

his appetite.

home in Layla. It was her first day away from home, and she could already feel herself wavering. "Dad, it just looks spicy.

you going to wash the dishes yourself, too? Don't do it. I will send

else to wash it for me. Don't worry about me. I'm doing