They arrived at a popular restaurant, which still had a line. It wasn't yet the busiest time, so the crowd was manageable.

When they reached the front, the waitress asked what they would Like.

Raegan replied, "Seafood stew." She had been eager to try the seafood stew Katie claimed was delicious.

The waitress apologized, “I'm sorry, but we've run out of the seafood stew for today."

Ms. Craig, always enthusiastic and thoughtful, noticed Raegan's disappointment and tried to uplift her spirits. She gestured toward a large pot being delivered to another table. "Do you think those two can finish that entire pot on their own? Maybe we could ask them to share? We'll pay full price."

Ms. Craig would not have made such a suggestion if the dish had not just been served, untouched.

Raegan looked over and to her surprise, it was Mitchel and Katie.

She was stunned that he would dine with Katie.

As their eyes met, Katie glanced back. She didn't need to say anything. Her presence next to Mitchel felt like a declaration of triumph.

Raegan felt her heart sink gradually. Only last night, she was whispering self-encouragements to keep fighting. Yet now, not even a full day later, her grip on hope was slipping.

Raegan stopped Ms. Craig with a shake of her head. “Let's not bother them. We can come back another time."

Ms. Craig realized it was somewhat awkward to ask others to share their meal, so she dropped the idea.

They ordered some other dishes instead and began chatting.

Suddenly, a waitress arrived at Raegan's table with a steaming pot of seafood stew and smiled. "Ladies, this is from the lady over there. Please enjoy. It was portioned out before being served, so it's perfectly hygienic."

Ms. Craig, taken aback, said, “Would you thank the lady for us?"

The waitress nodded and moved away.

Unable to see Katie's face, Ms. Craig turned around and smiled in gratitude.

“People are kind these days, yet we shouldn't accept food from others so freely," Ms. Craig said, nudging the stew aside without wanting to seem dismissive.

Raegan gave the stew a try, spooning a taste into her mouth. The flavors burst, usually a sign of exquisite cooking, but all Raegan tasted was a bitterness. It didn't taste good, not good at all.

Raegan glanced up to see Katie's beaming face, which only added to her irritation.