Lucille's soft humming floated in the air, reaching Ashrik as he stepped closer to the kitchen. Once there, he saw her ladle stew into a bowl. A bowl of rice and a plate of grilled fish were already placed on the table.
As she stood near the window, the soft golden light of the sun traced the edges of her hair. For some reason, the simple, quiet sight of her made the moment feel almost homely.
Something he hadn't felt much in years.
"Oh, you're here," Lucille said, looking up once she noticed Ashrik at the entrance. "Wanna eat here? Or outside?"
Ashrik approached her, reaching for the bowl of stew in her hands. "The living room."
After saying that, he took a tray from a kitchen rack. Then, he placed everything on it before walking out. She wiped her hands, following him with two cups of plain water.
As they settled in the living room, its warmth wrapped around them. She sat across the coffee table, facing him. They were alone there as the dogs went to sunbathe in the yard.
