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.

it to you." Layla adjusted the camera and showed Avery the steaming pot of stew.

Avery that she had accidentally added too much spice to it as she was too embarrassed to admit that she had made a mistake in her first attempt at

a little red. It

spicier than what I'm used to, but I can always have

dinner, and there're plenty of leftovers! The house feels so empty

If you say things like that, I'm going to want to

you. If you are happy on your own, I will try and get used to it. I just want you

camera around to face herself. "Where is

when he found out that I'm video calling you." Avery immediately directed the

an explosion of

cook it yourself. saw the photo and it looks so spicy. Are you sure you

worried that

his appetite.

at all annoyed by his lecture, Elliot's words only fostered a longing for home in Layla. It was her first day away from home, and she could already feel herself wavering. "Dad, it just looks spicy. It's more sanitary to cook for

yourself, too? Don't do it. I will send

pot to wash. You don't need to get someone else to wash it for me. Don't worry about me. I'm doing great. The weekend is coming up, and I will come home Friday night," Layla promised.