Standing up, Sasha put hands on her hips before pointing an accusatory finger in the man’s direction. Her expression and words were cross.

“I hate when you take care of the sheep! You always stay out too long.”

Seeming stung, Lark leaned back away from her loud voice. “Whoa. Sorry.” His voice was quiet but not meek, which made the woman all the more angry.

“Okay, smartass, I kept your dinner warm for you. Do you even want it?”

Immediately making a motion against his mouth that he was zipping it closed, lark sat down at the table. Rolling her eyes, Sasha opened the pot. Inside was a creamy soup mixed with noodles and vegetables. Large chunks of mushrooms floated in the broth. She spooned a plentiful serving into Lark’s waiting bowl and he wasted no time in shoving spoonfuls into his mouth. Expression almost sparkling, Lark sighed as he took another bite.

“Delicious… The mushrooms have so much flavor.”

“You picked them yesterday. Always had a knack for finding the good ones.” hardly seeming bothered at this point, Sasha’s tone relaxed as she returned to her seat and leaned an elbow on the table. She unwrapped bread from some foil, handing Lark a large piece. Crumbs fell when she broke it apart in a satisfying crunch.

“Mom says the same thing. I think she’s jealous.”

Chuckling under his breath, Lark shrugged his shoulders while Sasha frowned. “Well that’s her problem.”

She got quiet, watching Lark eat. Minutes passed before either of them said anything, until Sasha pursed her lips. Lark noticed her sudden apprehension and stopped with a spoonful of soup to his mouth, watching her. “What’s wrong? You look bothered by something.”

Wringing her hands together, Sasha let out a long sigh.

“Um… mom said it’s finally time for you to dip in the tears. I told her you should just try and avoid it like last time, but she’s worried they’ll come find you.” Her eyes were turned down, almost apologetically, with a nervous twitch to the side of her mouth. Face falling, Lark put down the spoon. His brows knit together and he frowned so furiously it was palpable. His words felt strained. “I’ve slipped past them a few times already.”

“It just feels like sitting in cold water, if that’s what you’re afraid of…” Sasha mentioned nonchalantly noticing Lark was still silently fuming.

“That’s not it..” He mumbled, leaning back in his chair. His appetite was suddenly gone. “It’s… the other part.”