Chapter 40

• "K-Khrystal."
• I looked up at Mama who I didn't notice was already by my side. "Yes?"
• She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she just diverted her eyes from me to what I was doing. I'm currently preparing eggplant for the torta (fried eggplant with egg) I'm going to make. That's the twins' favorite. I noticed the way the sunlight from the window highlighted the slight wrinkles on her hands and the soft determination in her movements. It made me realize how much care she puts into everything, no matter how small the task.