Chapter 13

Lila As the waiter approached our table, carrying two steaming plates, I took a deep breath, feeling the tension in my chest subside just a little. The aroma of fresh herbs, garlic, and butter wafted up, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts. He placed the plates in front of us with a practiced grace, offering a warm smile before retreating quietly. “Bon appetite” He smiled with his thick french accent betraying his nice english tie. We returned his smile as he walked away. The food was beautiful, almost too beautiful to eat. Emily’s dish, a delicate plate of ratatouille, shimmered under the soft light. Thin slices of zucchini, eggplant, and tomato were artfully arranged in a spiral, all resting in a pool of vibrant tomato sauce. My own plate held a simple but elegant coq au vin. The chicken was slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce, the tender meat falling off the bone, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. Emily picked up her fork, her eyes lighting up