"What is this, Sisi? You skipped breakfast and now lunch too?" Areej scolded, arms crossed.
"Champion, why aren't you eating?" Armaan asked, still watching her carefully.
"Please… excuse me. I'm just not hungry."
He crouched beside her with a teasing grin. "Don't be stubborn, Champion. Just open your mouth — look, here's an aeroplane, coming in for a landing…" He guided the spoon toward her. "You're a brave young lady, aren't you?"
A reluctant smile broke through her sadness, and a small laugh escaped her lips.
The rest joined in, filling the room with warmth that, for a moment, pushed the shadows away.