Sylvia kept her composure, "They've been gone for a long time now."
Old Mr. Jarvis, suddenly understanding, felt a surge of compassion and his demeanor softened further. "You're a brave kid!"
Sylvia wasn't particularly sensitive about her background and never felt inferior. When asked, she usually felt breezy about it. However, when Old Mr. Jarvis called her brave, she suddenly felt a lump in her throat.
"Thank you, Grandpa."
"Magdalen's here!"
A tall figure entered through the side door, backlit and surrounded by a halo of light, moving steadily and gracefully into the room, smiling lightly.
Sylvia turned her head at the sound.
Her eyes were moist, shimmering softly, meeting the man's gaze accidentally. Both looked surprised for a moment—one surprised by the encounter, the other by his sudden appearance.
Gabriel's gaze deepened, and he spoke calmly, "We have guests!"
Mr. Carnes said, "Yes, Magdalen brought a young lady named Sylvia. Would you like me to introduce you?"
Gabriel remained silent.
Sylvia suddenly wanted to laugh, biting her lip and looking down.
Magdalen joined in the fun, "Gabriel, have you forgotten Sylvia already? Grandpa's right, should I introduce you again?"
Ignoring Magdalen's teasing, Sylvia greeted with a smile, "Mr. Carnes!"
This "Mr. Carnes" broke the awkwardness for Gabriel, who nodded slightly, "Ms. Jarvis!"
Sylvia wanted to laugh again.
It was the first time he had called her Ms. Jarvis.
Despite the somewhat distant and polite tone, she inexplicably felt like laughing.
"No need to stand on ceremony, have a seat!" Jonathan said with a smile.
Old Mr. Jarvis stood up, "Everyone's here, let's have dinner!"
Magdalen linked arms with Old Mr. Jarvis, walking out with a coquettish tone, "Grandpa, I told Ella yesterday I was coming. What special dishes have you prepared for me?"
Old Mr. Jarvis smiled affectionately, "First tell me what you're craving today, and let's see if the dishes on the table match your expectations."
Magdalen's eyes sparkled, "I've got a long list. I want Mr. Justin's fruit trifle, and then there's crab-stuffed bell peppers, spicy bamboo shoots..."
Magdalen listed several dishes, and Old Mr. Jarvis's joy grew. "Alright, if anything's missing, I'll double your New Year's money this year, deal?"
Magdalen's eyes twinkled with delight. "You've said it now!"
"Deal!"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)