The Uneaten Meal
Richard lifted the silver tray carefully, the food arranged neatly, the aroma of roasted vegetables and warm bread filling the quiet hallway.
Sarah hovered nearby, her hands helping steady a few extra dishes.
"Be careful," she murmured, though her eyes softened.
Richard's jaw tightened slightly, a brief flicker of doubt crossing his face, but he nodded. "He needs to eat. Stubborn as he is… he won't allow me to make the choice for him, but I'll at least give him the option."
Ethan sat against the wall, arms wrapped around his knees, head bowed.
The sound of footsteps drew his gaze reluctantly toward the approaching tray.
"You don't have to… I don't want it," he muttered, but his voice lacked conviction.
Richard placed the tray down beside him, careful to set it gently. "I know you don't want it. But I also know hunger doesn't care about stubbornness. I'll leave it here. Eat if you wish. That is your choice."
