She spoke to Isaac, Professor Catherine and Alice.
She kept them engaged in conversation, eventually lifting the gloomy atmosphere and turning it into a light-hearted one.
Eventually, plates were cleared, and Isaac rose from his chair, gathering the dishes one by one.
"I'll do that," Celia said, moving to stand.
Isaac shook his head. "You're a guest. Sit down. Read something, and relax."
"Let me wash dishes. I can't just do nothing."
Isaac gave a small laugh and kept his hands in motion, rinsing off plates and stacking them carefully. "If you really want to, then you can do it after you start living here permanently. Until then, let me."
That answer caught her off guard.
A faint flush rose to her cheeks, and she turned her head away as if she didn't want him to see.
Isaac chuckled.
By the time he finished the last dish, Alice and Professor Catherine were already preparing to leave.
