Chapter 7 They Stood on the Rooftop

As they stood on the rooftop, surrounded by the ethereal beauty of the waking city, time seemed to momentarily stand still. The sun climbed higher, casting aside the lingering shadows of the buildings below.

Inhaling deeply, Alayna savored the crisp morning air, relishing the gentle caress of the breeze against her cheeks. The panoramic view before them, a tapestry of urban life, sparked a sense of awe within her.

Interrupting the tranquil scene, Dafa's voice resonated with tenderness. "Just wait here for a bit, okay?"

Alayna tore her gaze away from the mesmerizing cityscape, focusing on Dafa standing by her side. Bewilderment tinged her voice as she inquired, "Why? Where are you going?" Curiosity danced across her features, a testament to her growing interest.

"Just one minute," Dafa replied, she slowly ventured towards the edge of the rooftop, descending the stairs with deliberate steps.

Alayna's eyes tracked Dafa's movements, a mixture of confusion and fascination enveloping her. He let Dafa go for a moment.

The silence on the rooftops was filled only with the sound of the wind whispering. Alayna was again lost in her thoughts. She massaged the bottom of her neck reflexively as the tightness returned.

A few minutes later, Dafa returned with steady steps. He brought his lunch box which he usually brought to work. It looked so natural and relaxed. However, Alayna's eyes caught something different in Dafa's gaze, a small sparkle that exuded sincerity.

With a warm smile, Dafa extended his lunchbox to Alayna, the invitation laced with genuine affection. "Since you haven't had breakfast yet, let's have breakfast first," he said in a soft voice.

A bemused smile curved her lips as she remarked, "Isn't this your lunch?"

"Yes, my mother made it," Dafa answered. His voice exuded pride towards his mother as he talked about her.

"Oh, your mother is very kind. I thought you cooked it yourself," Alayna said in a curious tone.

With a smile, Dafa explained, "I can cook, but my mother doesn't let me. She enjoys cooking for her family. Serving food every day is a way of expressing love," he continued in a gentle voice. His eyes lit up as she talked about his family traditions.

"Aww sweet," Alayna muttered.

With slow steps, Dafa moved towards the concrete chair at the edge of the building. Alayna's gaze followed Dafa's every move. "Come on, sit over here," Dafa said kindly, inviting Alayna to join him.

The two of them sat on the roof of the building which gave a stunning view under the clear morning sky. The gentle sunlight brushed against their faces, creating a golden glow on their faces.

With an awkward feeling, Dafa opened the lunch box. He removed the lid carefully. The contents of the box spread out before them.

A nice fragrance immediately spread around, capturing Alayna's attention. Inside the box, there were some Arabic specialties. There's the crunchy falafel that looked appetizing, the colorful tabbouleh, and the creamy hummus that promised to be rich.

With a gentle smile, Dafa handed the box of food to Alayna. "Come on, you eat first," he said in a caring tone.

Alayna's eyes lifted from the food nestled inside the box, brimming with gratitude. However, she gently shook her head, emitting a soft voice tinged with guilt, as though declining Dafa's generous offer pained her.

"I'm not hungry, Dafa," she said in a soft voice.

Undeterred, Dafa continued to gaze upon Alayna with a tender smile. "Eat a little, even if you don't feel hungry," he suggested.

For a fleeting moment, Alayna fell silent. Her eyes flitted between the food in the box laid before her and Dafa's unwavering presence. It was as if a conflict waged within her, a struggle between her bad mood and her grateful heart that respects Dafa.

"Okay, I'll eat a bit," Alayna acquiesced, her voice a delicate surrender to the warmth radiating from Dafa's offering.

Feeling relieved and happy, Dafa picked up the food from the box, tenderly feeding Alayna. "Try this falafel first, maybe it will awaken your appetite," he suggested.

Alayna's eyes followed Dafa's graceful motions, and she felt a little awkward because Alayna was measuring food directly from his hands. Being fed by hand was a gesture foreign to her, one that her mother had even never done to her.

Finally, Alayna took a bite of the falafel, and within an instant, the expression on her face changed, like a sunny day after a rainstorm. Her eyes widened, illuminating her face as if two radiant stars had found solace amidst the night sky. And from her lips, an uncontrollable smile emerged.

"Wow, it tastes really good," she exclaimed, her voice brimming with awe. Her eyes sparkled like brilliant constellations in the darkness of night.

Drenched in warmth, Dafa responded, "I'm glad you like it. Try something else too, maybe tabbouleh or hummus."

With excited feelings, the two of them started to enjoy the dishes in the box.

Alayna felt the sensation of the crunchy and fresh tabbouleh texture on her tongue. She could taste every bit of the vegetables combined with the spices and lemon sauce, giving it a perfectly balanced combination in her mouth. The subsequent taste of the velvety hummus enveloped her senses, its nutty undertones and aromatic blend of spices indulging her taste buds.

A joyful laugh escaped Alayna's lips as she tore off chunks of pita bread, combining them with falafel and an array of vibrant vegetables. Dafa, gazing at her, with a warm smile, and in his eyes, there was a language that only he could understand.

Once they finished their meal, Dafa stowed away the lunch box, and Alayna expressed her gratitude. However, as the moment passed, a veil of seriousness engulfed Alayna's expression, as if she delved into a labyrinth of deep contemplation. She fell silent, immersing herself in her deep thoughts.

"What's troubling you? Is it the food?" Dafa inquired, his voice caressed by genuine concern.

Alayna gently shook her head, as if she wanted to tell Dafa that it wasn't a matter of food. Her eyes betrayed a flicker of uncertainty as if she wanted to talk about something deeper.

"So?" Dafa asked again, his curiosity even more evident in his expression.

"I feel so stressed today," Alayna confessed, her words carrying the raw honesty of her emotions.

"Oh, give me your hand," Dafa said.

Alayna, slightly perplexed, regarded Dafa with a mixture of curiosity and bewilderment, her voice echoing her confusion, "What for?"