Sitting by the Lake

Allie stared at the soup and side dishes on the table.

She couldn't remember the last time she had eaten food freshly cooked from the kitchen. She always ate instant meals or takeout. She even subscribed to a meal plan because ordering every day and choosing what to eat was a hassle.

That's why being presented with a home-cooked meal like this touched something in her heart. She stared at the food longer, as if savoring the moment.

Still in her apron, the old lady smiled and gestured to Allie to start eating. She was hungry, so she started eating without thinking about whether it was safe to eat at a stranger's house.

There was something about the old lady's aura that told Allie she was a good person. She didn't see herself as someone very amiable, but often she was a good judge of character. At least she could say that.

The old lady joined her, and the two of them ate in silence.