212 MEALTIME MISERY

“Anna is very exhausted and she needs to rest, Mother,” Davis said, trying to salvage the situation. He can imagine how his mother would react if she discovered the reason Anna was hesitant to go into the kitchen to cook. “It’s been a long evening for her. I'll prepare something for all of us.” “Don't be ridiculous,” Kita fired at him. “How long will it take her to go into the kitchen to make dinner for us? Like I said, it doesn't necessarily have to be pot roast, although that is what I would have preferred.” “Don't worry,” Davis said to Kita. “I'll make you a pot roast, all right.” “No,” Kita replied, shaking her head. “I'm not buying this whole Anna-is-tired excuse. And weren't the both of you coming from the same place? That means you're also tired, so I don't get why you have to be the one to get into the kitchen again.” “Mom, please, don't make this an issue. I said I'll cook for us.” “And I said no,” Kita retorted. She was close to anger now and Anna was yet to sa