"I'll eat after you're done," Ivan replied, bringing another spoonful towards her. That was when she reached out, gently holding the hand that held the spoon, and shook her head.
"I won't eat if you don't eat with me."
She then guided the same spoon towards him. He studied her for a moment, fully aware of how stubborn she could be when she set her mind to something, and finally relented.
They alternated each bite, feeding one another in silence until the tray was empty. Ivan felt a wave of relief knowing she had managed to eat at least half of the food he had prepared for her, while she had fed him the other half.
Handing her a glass of water, he asked softly, "More?"
"No, I'm good," she replied before taking a sip.
As he placed the plates back onto the tray, he heard her speak again. "Thank you, Ivan. Thank you for being patient with me…"
He smiled gently at her. "Who else would I do this for, if not you?" he replied simply, yet with quiet depth which warmed her frozen heart.
