NovelEnglishYolanda was simply restless when she called for a video chat, absentmindedly polishing her bike helmet as she faced the screen.
Carol was at her wit's end with her cousin. "Yolanda, do you even know what day it is today?"
"Of course, | do. It's your birthday, Carol. Why else would | be calling? There's a gift on its way to your place."
Carol huffed lightly, "At least you remember. Gotta go, though, my birthday cake is calling me."
"Wait, you're not throwing your usual big bash this year? Your cakes are usually like ten tiers high, and I've never seen you take a
bite. Thought you were always worried about packing on the pounds?"
"That's different, Yolanda. This cake? Felix baked it himself. Damn, how can a guy be so perfect? He can do anything. You should
see him in the kitchen and in uniform. | splurged on a $10,000 uniform for him but haven't had the nerve to give it to him. Gonna
tell him it costtwenty bucks, so he won't feel bad when we... you know."
Yolanda couldn't bear to listen any longer. She knew well how bold and chatty her cousin was. "Gotta hang up, for real. I'm too
young for this talk."
Carol, pleased with her bragging, happily ended the call.
When she returned to the living room, Felix had already set the dinner table.
Carol plopped down, not bothering to reach for the cutlery, and just propped her chin on her hands, watching him shuttle between
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthe kitchen and the table.
Felix cback with a small four-inch cake from the fridge and dimmed the living room lights.
"Make a wish, Carol."
The candle was lit, and Carol, for once, took her wish seriously. She clasped her hands and closed her eyes. Every year, she had
everything she could want, making her wishes feel insincere. But this time, she was earnest.
Felix watched the flicker of the candlelight on her face, her lashes trembling slightly. He felt something weird in his mind, so he
averted his gaze.
She looked so devoted, her hair falling softly around her face. He reached out and tenderly tucked a stray lock behind her ear.
Carol wasn't surprised; he was always this gentle. Though he didn't have much tfor her, he always made sure to do these little
things.
She blew out the candle and heard his voice, "What did you wish for?"
"To be rich, of course. That we both strike it big one day."
Her words were a facade. Her real wish did involve Felix, but it certainly wasn't about money.
Felix didn't respond. Instead, he playfully smeared a bit of cake on her nose, but she looked genuinely upset.
"Cakes are made for eating, not smearing. I've decided to eat this one."
As she spoke, she pinched her cheeks.
"But Felix, do you think I've put on weight lately?"
He grabbed a napkin and gently wiped the cake from her nose.
"Not at all."
"Really? | feel like | have. But I'm still going to eat this cake because you made it."
"It's made with a sugar substitute, healthier. You won't gain weight, especially since it's just this once."
Carol hadn't expected such thoughtfulness. She smiled and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.
"You're so good to me."
Felix looked away, "But don't overdo it. Gotta watch your health."
"Alright, alright, your orders, Mr. Brown."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Carol cut a piece for him and another for herself.
Felix wasn't much for sweets, but he'd chosen healthy ingredients, thinking of Carol's refined palate. He always bought the freshest
fruits and veggies, knowing she wouldn't settle for less.
He never understood how things had gotten to this point, with him taking care of such a pampered soul.
After the cake, Carol stowed the rest in the fridge. Felix served her a bowl of fish soup and added a few ribs to her plate. "Eat up."
Content, Carol dug in, her belly rounding out by meal's end. "Your pig's trotters the other night were delicious. How about we have
those tomorrow?"
"Sure."
After dinner, Felix began cleaning up.
Carol was clueless about recycling. Her attempts to take out the trash often ended with it being rejected.
Felix had to sort it himself and eventually barred her from taking it out altogether.
She tried washing dishes a few times, leading to a thrice-replaced set of crockery.
One attempt at soup ended with a burnt hand and Felix helping her bathe for days after.
She was utterly helpless, a product of indulgence.
Felix grumbled inwardly as he tidied up, somehow resigned to caring for Carol.
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