Her Kindness

Lukas had finished taking a shower, albeit with difficulty. Ava had offered to help him several times as he had been taking too long in the shower room. However, the little man was determined and refused Ava's help outright.

Lukas stepped into the kitchen, the warm, savory smell of roasted vegetables wafting through the air. Ava was busy chopping vegetables on the counter, her hands deftly moving as she prepared their dinner. Lukas watched her in awe, admiring her skill as she quickly diced onions and sliced carrots with precision.

He took a seat at the small table, his stomach growling in anticipation. Ava turned around, a bright smile lighting up her face as she greeted him. "Hey there! How was the bath?"

Lukas grinned back at her, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him. "It was good. I feel fresh."

Ava nodded, returning her attention to the vegetables. She pulled out a bright red pepper from the fridge and sliced it into thin strips, the sound of the knife cutting through the flesh filling the room.

Lukas watched her work, mesmerized by her movements. He had never seen anyone cook with such ease and confidence before. Ava noticed him staring and chuckled. "What's on your mind, little guy?"

Lukas shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed. "I was just thinking how cool it is that you know how to cook so well."

Ava beamed with pride, the corners of her eyes crinkling with joy. "Thanks, Lukas. Cooking is one of my favorite things to do."

"By the way, you look so fresh and handsome after your shower," Ava praised the young master's hard work in front of her.

The tiny man blushed. He was happy to be praised like that, even though he didn't want to admit it outright.

"Come on, sit down! Dinner is ready," Ava pulled out a chair for Lukas and then arranged the plates in front of him.

However, Lukas was hesitant to see many types of vegetables in front of him. He didn't like vegetables. Especially peppers.

"Why? Don't you want to eat?" Ava asked. "Don't you like the menu?"

Lukas fell silent. He was afraid that Ava would hate him if he spoke the truth. However, he also couldn't force himself to eat the food, especially the peppers.

"Don't you like vegetables?" Ava asked, trying to guess what the little boy in front of her was thinking.

Ava noticed Lukas' hesitation and asked, "Is there something wrong with the vegetables? Don't you like them?"

Lukas didn't want to offend Ava, but he also couldn't bring himself to lie. He shook his head and muttered, "I'm sorry, I don't like vegetables."

Ava was surprised by Lukas' response. She had assumed that he would enjoy the healthy meal she had prepared for them. However, she didn't want to force Lukas to eat something he didn't like.

"It's okay," she said, giving Lukas a warm smile. "You don't have to eat the vegetables if you don't want to. I can make you something else."

Lukas looked relieved and grateful. "Thank you, Ava," he said, feeling relieved that she was understanding.

Ava quickly got up and rummaged through the fridge, trying to find something that Lukas might like. She pulled out some leftover chicken and rice from the night before and began to warm it up.

Lukas watched her, feeling guilty for being picky about his food. He knew that Ava had gone to a lot of trouble to prepare the meal for them, and he didn't want to disappoint her.

"I'm sorry, Ava," he said. "I should have told you earlier that I don't like vegetables. I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

Ava turned to him with a kind smile. "It's okay, Lukas," she said. "I'm just glad that you're honest with me. We can work around your preferences."

Lukas felt grateful for Ava's understanding and kindness. He knew that he had made a mistake by not being upfront with her about his food preferences, but he was glad that she was willing to work with him.

After devouring their meal, Lukas admitted that Ava's cooking was indeed delicious. The reheated leftover oven baked chicken cordon bleu prepared by Ava still tasted amazing on his tongue.

Lukas continued to savor the last few bites of the chicken. He closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh as he chewed slowly, enjoying the flavors that exploded in his mouth. The tender and juicy meat, paired with the perfectly balanced seasoning, made it the best chicken dish he had ever tasted.

Ava watched Lukas with a smile on her face, pleased that he had enjoyed her cooking. She poured him a glass of water and placed it on the table next to him.

"Sorry, I just have water for tonight," said Ava with regret flashed through her face.

"No problem! Thanks!"

Lukas opened his eyes and took a sip of water, feeling refreshed. He then leaned back on the chair, letting out a small burp. Ava chuckled at his childlike behavior and playfully nudged his shoulder.

"You're so funny," Ava said with a smile.

Lukas laughed and shook his head, feeling grateful for Ava's company and the delicious meal she had prepared for him. He had never felt so relaxed and comfortable in someone else's company before.

As they finished their meal, Ava noticed that Lukas was starting to yawn.

"It looks like it's time for you to go to bed," Ava said, smiling.

Lukas looked a bit disappointed, but he knew Ava was right. "Okay," he said, "but can you tuck me in first?"

Ava smiled again and nodded. "Of course I can," she said, standing up and leading Lukas to the bedroom.

The room was cozy and warm, with soft lighting and a big, comfortable bed. Ava pulled back the covers and helped Lukas climb in. She then tucked him in snugly and kissed him on the forehead.

"Will you sleep with me?" he asked, worried about where Ava would sleep.

Ava shook her head. "The bed is too small for both of us. I'll sleep on my friend's bed. Luckily, she's not coming home tonight."

Lukas smiled, slightly disappointed that Ava wouldn't sleep with him.

"Do you want a bedtime story?" teased Ava, her beautiful blue eyes glinting.

"Of course not! I'm too old for that!"

Ava laughed at Lukas's response. "Sleep well, Lukas," she whispered, turning off the lamp on the bedside table.

Lukas closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh. He felt safe and comfortable in Ava's care. As he drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think how lucky he was to have found such a kind and caring person to take care of him.

Lukas missed his mother so much. He thought to himself that his mother would treat him just like Ava did. "I want her to be with me every day," he murmured.