"Wow! Is that our favorite shrimp soup, Mom?"
Egypt exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she peeked at the dishes I'd prepared for them.
"Yes" I said with a smile, carefully setting the plate down on the table.
"And I also made this for Cairo."
I placed a bowl of chicken tinola beside the shrimp.
"Th-thank you, Mom…" Cairo murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You're welcome." I replied gently, smiling at him.
He looked so shy sitting there with his small hands resting on his lap, unsure whether he should speak or even reach for the food.
"Cairo, you don't have to be shy around Mom and us—your sisters!" Egypt teased, grinning playfully. "We won't bite you, promise!"
"Yes," Paris added with a sly smirk, "Egypt won't bite you… but I might if you keep acting shy around us."
Cairo's eyes widened in alarm. "Y-you'll bite m-me?"
"Yup! Paris is the ultimate punisher in this family! Rawr!" Egypt declared dramatically, pretending to claw at the air like a cat.
