Chapter 80: Side Story-12
JOHN
I am pretty sure that if we were in a movie then there would have been big "SILENCE" and "AWKWARD" words flying over our heads as we eat our dinners in defending silence. There is particularly no sound escape Leo making some short chats with my mother and my dad asking a few short questions Erwin.
My father occasionally shoots glares in our direction. I am stiff with nervousness and let Ruth grab my hand under the table and squeeze it occasionally reassuringly as he silently eats his mashed potato.
We arrived just a few hours ago and since then my father hasn’t spoken to me a word. He is just giving me the looks that tell me that, "You are so wrong. You are too naive. You know nothing. I am disappointed in you. You have let me down." And etcetera. This makes me even more nervous than I already am.
However, Ruth shows no sign of nervousness or awkwardness as he sits by my side, my hand on his. He is telling me that he is fine. He loves me and I shouldn’t worry this much. We will be fine by his gestures and looks. He is trying his best to keep me comfortable when I feel like someone is constantly trying to choke me and wants me dead.
"Brother." Steve’s small hands tug on the hem of my shirt and call me in his meek voice. He is awkward too. "C-can I have that?" He points at the smashed potato, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and a hint of hesitance.
"Of course." I pat his head as I serve the potato on his plate and ask warmly, "Do you need anything else, Steve? You can tell me."
Steve shakes his head slowly, "I want to eat only this."
"Okay." I take a napkin and wipe his face gently as he has got food all over his face. I guess I need to teach him how to eat properly these days too. "Tell me if you need anything. I will give it to you."