Kalina's laughter caught in her throat, replaced by a sputtering cough as the words registered in her mind. The piece of chicken she had just bitten into suddenly felt like a lump in her throat, and she struggled to swallow it down amid the unexpected shock.
Kalina's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she coughed and spluttered, desperately trying to clear her airway. She shot a quick glance at Dominique, seeking support in his familiar gaze, only to find him wearing an expression caught somewhere between amusement and concern. His hand found hers under the table, offering a reassuring squeeze as he silently conveyed his understanding of the awkward situation.
"Ma. " Dominique gave his mother a warning look as he held a glass of water to Kalina's mouth. His gaze carried a mix of concern for Kalina and frustration towards his mother's persistence.