Dwayne stared blankly at the food infront of him, a powerful reluctance keeping even his hunger at bay. Himawari, Jennifer, and Ivy, in contrast, were all unbothered by the meals before them. There was nothing uninviting about the meal itself, in fact, it was the absolute opposite: a thick wooden tray holding nine bowls set in a symmetry of three, each carrying a different facet of the meal, on the left was a miniature gooseneck samovar of hot water and a cup with a base layered with herbs.
"Uh. . ."
The poor boy was also terrified by the second but much smaller tray where a range of assorted cutlery were arranged neatly in ascending height. He wasn't used to such extreme breakfast layouts. Normally a plateful of whatever Sophie had made was enough for him, but this. . .this was the norm here in the Little Manor. It was the tiniest bit overwhelming for him, and did not come without discomfort.