For a few days after that, the father and daughter didn't speak to each other.
It was as if they were sulking.
Or perhaps, neither of them knew what to say.
At mealtimes, Annelise would eat with her head down, leave as soon as she finished, and was rarely seen the rest of the time.
Seth Valentine stuck to his routine of reading the paper and drinking tea. Only occasionally would he lift his eyes to watch his daughter's back disappear at the landing, before letting out a sigh.
Ruby Lynn was stuck in the middle, trying to persuade one, then the other, but pleasing neither.
*
That night, Ruby Lynn pushed open Annelise's door, carrying a small bowl of bird's nest soup.
Annelise was leaning against the headboard, holding the small red box and looking at the letters inside.
Hearing the door, she quickly tucked the box under her blanket.
"Annelise," Ruby Lynn came over, placed the bowl on the nightstand, and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Drink this while it's hot."
