Gilbert sipped his light mushroom soup and tasted the stir-fried beef with greens. Though the flavors weren't as rich as the lavish meals served outside, the gentle warmth of the food soothed him from the inside out, as if even his soul had found peace. The restlessness in his heart slowly melted away.
He realized this must be what people meant by the taste and feeling of home.
After dinner, Carol insisted on washing the dishes, while Claire quietly sat with the children to watch TV before sending them upstairs for their afternoon nap.
The little ones crowded around her, laughing and playing in high spirits.
Every now and then, when Claire lifted her gaze, she caught Gilbert peeking in their direction. Whenever their eyes met, he would quickly pull his head back, pretending he hadn't been watching.
"Idiot," Claire thought, biting back a sigh.
