4
Ethan came home just as dinner was ready.
Unsurprisingly, Linda and her daughter were
behind him. “Sister–in–law, sorry to bother
you again.
Linda was fair–skinned, with an oval face,
and her bright red coat added a touch of
elegance.
Her daughter was used to coming here, and
seeing the food ready, she cheered and
quickly served herself.
A bowl for her, a bowl for Ethan, a bowl for
Linda.
But none for me.
When I came out of the kitchen, the three of
them were already sitting at the table,
laughing and chatting like a family.
But as soon as they tasted the food, all three
of them spat it out at the same time.
“Mommy, it’s too salty!”
I leaned against the kitchen doorway.
Watching Ethan hurriedly serve a bowl of
soup to the mother and daughter.
The soup was even saltier.
Finally, Linda left in tears.
Before leaving, she said to Ethan, “Sister–in-
law probably doesn’t like me, I won’t come
again.”
Ethan saw her to the door, and when he came
back, he frowned.
I ignored him and went back to the kitchen to
<
cook a new dish.
“You did this on purpose?” Ethan seemed
puzzled.
Then he started explaining, “Her husband
died in action. He asked me to take care of
them, and you’re a great cook, the child likes
your food.”
Seeing me silent, Ethan shook his head,
seeming to concede, “If you don’t like it, we
won’t ask them over for dinner anymore.
