Martha did not stay long. As the afternoon stretched toward evening and the sky outside the windows slowly turned orange, she excused herself with a soft smile and a lingering hug for Evelyn.
"Granny, why not have dinner with us?" Oliver said, reluctant to let her go.
Martha gently ruffled Oliver's hair and said, "No, dear, I need to go home. I've been tired all day from cooking our lunch."
"Aunty, I told you there's no need to cook, but you insist. Now, I feel bad..." Evelyn said worriedly.
"Hahaha, I was just joking. Martha gently patted Evelyn's arm. "But I need to head home now—the café is about to close."
"Ah, you are right," Evelyn said, understanding Martha's meaning. "Auntie, I will visit the café with Oliver tomorrow morning."
"Ok, I will wait..." Martha said excitedly. She kissed Oliver's hair, reminded him to behave, and asked him to come to her house tomorrow.
When the door finally closed behind her, the house felt quieter, but not empty.
