Edwin flashed a hundred dollar bill, explaining with a smile, âMy wifeâs feeling a bit down, so I thought Iâd bring her some cheer.
â
The cotton candy seller chuckled, his initial skepticism melting away.
Edwin gestured for him to keep the change, prompting the seller to craft a cute, fluffy rabbit-shaped cotton candy as Edwin requested.
Carrying the sweet confection, Edwin approached Laura and extended it toward her, a gesture of solace.
Laura took a moment, her red, teary eyes lifting to meet Edwinâs gaze.
Edwin crouched down, delicately placing the stick of cotton candy in her hand.
His voice, remarkably tender, asked, âWant me to carry you?â
Laura looked at him and managed a smile.
Without further words, Edwin affectionately patted her head and dusted off her shoulders.
âLetâs go.
Weâre having dinner at my parentsâ.
Laura obediently trailed behind him.
His hand exuded warmth, and his presence became strangely comforting.
In that moment, the earlier unpleasantness seemed to fade into insignificance.
Once inside the car, she couldnât help but admire the rabbit-shaped cotton candy, hesitating to eat it.
Edwin buckled up, glancing at her with a smile.
âIf you like it, I can arrange to have them specially made for you every day.
â
âNo way! Itâll make me fat!â
Edwin started the car, playing along with mock seriousness, âThe little rabbit can afford to be a bit fluffier.
â
Laura shot him a playful glare.
Her timid facade had always been a mere veneer.
Edwin felt an unexpected tranquility wash over him, soothing the dayâs fatigue and anxiety.
He tenderly squeezed her hand and called her by her name, âLaura.
â
She responded with a soft hum.
Her nose was red, whether from the cold or her recent tears, he couldnât discern.
As they paused at a red light, he retrieved something from the glove compartment and passed it to her.