She looked away uneasily and mumbled, "I want to have the cheese toast you make for me. I'll go wash my face."

“Sure," Theodore agreed, leaving without a hint of doubt.

When he left, Ariana realized her palms were sweating from the anxiety.

After some contemplation, Ariana made up her mind to avoid Theodore for the moment and check the mail. Sneaking out, she saw Theodore busy in the kitchen as she passed the living room.

He wasn't particularly skillful, but the earnestness in his actions tugged at her heart.