The Question

The Question, part 2

- *sigh* Fine, I'll do it, but you three better be ready once I come back because I'm to hungry to wait.

- Yes honey of course - Trish complacently said while patting me in the back.

I went straight to the kitchen, where a big pot filled to the brim with a thick dark cream that was simmering just enough to not get cold, but not so much that it would burn. I carefuly lifted it up of the stove and headed straight to the dining room, where Trish and our guests were already sitting at the table, waiting for the feast to begin.

- I hope you are hungry because there's enough curry to feed the entire Bro Squad! - I anounced putting down the pot right in the center of the table and sitting down next to my wife.

- This sure is a lot, but I think Lowbacca could probably eat all of this by himself - Kirito added sniffing the air once more.

We all shared a good and cheerful laugh and with a quick 'Itadakimasu' started attacking the incredibly tasty-and-rich-looking meal.

.                              .                              .

- Ahhhhh... That was amazing - Kirito said, exhaling with satisfaction.

- The taste of that curry was somehow even better than the smell - Asuna supported his boyfriend's previous statement while sipping on her tea.

- I'm glad you enjoyed it since it takes an entire day to make it the right way - Trish proudly added sipping some tea of her own.

Neither Asuna nor I got surprised by this, since we both know our way around a kitchen, but Kirito on the other side was pretty much an ignorant, so he almost choked with his tea at my wife's words.

- An entire day?! That makes no sense! - the boy protested.

- Of course it does! - Asuna reprehended him - If you take in consideration the time to buy the ingredients, prepare the mise-en-place, marinade the meat and reduce the stew to perfection, then it makes all the sense in the World.

- It seems you know a lot about cooking, Asuna - Trish remarked while Kirito mumbled something similar to 'mise-en-place'.

- Thank you Trish, but I wouldn't say a lot... And talking about cooking, why would you take all that time just to make a meal for us?

There was an awkward silence, only interrupted by Kirito's effort to pronounce something he didn't even understand, and when I turned to see my wife, her head was tilted down, almost as if trying to hide her face, and she was... sobbing?

- Honey...?

- I'm sorry, Trish! I wasn't complaining or anything like that! On the contrary, I feel that we don't deserve you taking all that time! I'm sorry, Agil san!

- Don't worry Asuna, I don't think...

A couple of seconds passed in silence, not much, but enough time for Kirito to process what was happening. As he caught to the situation, his expression straightened as he spoke with with real concern:

- Is everything okay, Trish?

- It's my fault, I... - Asuna started saying, but was cut off by the only person who hadn't spoken yet.

- No, Asuna, Andrew is right, it's not because of you that I'm like this... - she said, her voice cracking in between tears.

- Then... what is it? - I asked reaching for her shoulder.

Her shaking body reacted to my touch as the trembling suddenly stopped and after another five seconds Trish finally stood up, putting her hand on mine and giving me a comforting smile. I had no idea what was happening, it was weird for her to act this way, but once I saw that smile, I knew that whatever it was that was afflicting her, she could handle it.