Helpless

The four of them sat down together, the table laden with fragrant rice, crisp vegetables, and golden-brown chicken. For a while, there was only the clatter of utensils and the occasional murmur of approval.

"Mmm, this is amazing, just like always". Linda said, her mouth full.

"Don't talk with your mouth full, where are your manners, don't you know you can choke on it already". Dani scolded.

Leila laughed softly, the sound light and free. "It's nice to have everyone together like this."

Tyrell who was , silent until now, looked up from his plate. "Yeah. It is."

They ate in companionable silence, but the weight of his earlier actions sat heavy in his mind.

He felt the buzz of his phone from the kitchen counter, ignored it, and forced himself to focus on the present, the laughter of his sisters, the warmth of Leila's smile.