Chapter 27. Suffering

It was the weekend, and everyone was at home, simply enjoying some downtime. No one had plans to go out or leave the house on this particular day, an uncommon occurrence for all of us, and particularly so for me, as such days rarely came around.

"Ina, could you lend me a hand in the kitchen?" Auntie Anne called out to me.

"Love, where are you headed?" Roy inquired as he descended the stairs, drying his damp hair with a small towel.

"I was thinking of preparing a meal for you today, even if it's just a one-time thing since I have nothing else to occupy my time," she explained. "Ina is usually the one who handles the cooking, and I'd like to take care of you every now and then."

"Really?" Roy grinned, and Auntie Anne nodded. "Would you like some assistance?" he offered.

"Yeah, sure. That would be great," Auntie Anne replied.

Roy's smile briefly vanished when our eyes met. I lowered my head to avoid making eye contact. I didn't linger in t