Episode 15

After her shower, Liz went down to the kitchen, and Enzo was on the couch, admiring the living room.

Liz: Hi, Ceci.

Cecilia: Do you need anything, dear?

Liz: I came to fill the cake.

Cecilia: Let me handle it. I don’t want you to get dirty. Just tell me what to do.

Liz: Nonsense, Cecilia. I don’t mind that. I want to decorate the cake.

Cecilia: Alright then.

Liz began preparing the fillings and icing the cake; the scent of chocolate wafted into the living room, and Enzo started to wonder what Liz was doing. Enzo sneaked a peek and saw Liz in an apron with her face smeared with whipped cream. He caught himself smiling, then quickly composed himself.

Enzo retreated to his office and stayed there until dinner was ready. Liz helped Cecilia prepare dinner, and tonight was lasagna night.

As they all sat at the table eating, Liz broke the silence.

Liz: Sir, what do you think of the living room? Sorry if I was too bold in changing everything, but the room was so bland, and I wanted to bring it to life.

He remained silent for a few minutes before responding.

Enzo: It’s good.

Enzo had loved all the changes Liz made but was too proud to admit it.

Liz: Cecilia, open the curtains and windows every day to let the sun in, and at night to gaze at the stars.

Cecilia: Will do.

Liz: Also, change the water in the vases so the flowers don’t die. If any do, let me know and I’ll buy more. The house looks prettier and smells sweet with natural flowers.

Cecilia: You have great taste indeed; the house has become lovely.

Liz: Tomorrow I will buy more flowers because I want to place a large vase on this table.

Liz chattered on excitedly, while Enzo just listened quietly, occasionally glancing at her. He felt something positive inside seeing Liz take the initiative and feeling more at home—though, as stubborn as he was, he didn’t want to show it. In his mind, he thought, silly girl, with so many things to spend on, she’s excited about buying flowers.

Enzo ate the lasagna, even going for seconds—a rarity for him. This time, Cecilia had outdone herself, or so he thought.

Cecilia: Sir, there’s dessert. Liz made a cake. Do you want a piece?

Enzo: Yes.

Liz: What are you talking about, Cecilia? You made it; I only handled the filling.

Cecilia: I just prepared the batter.

Enzo ate a piece of the cake in silence, the cake melting in his mouth. He sighed from sheer delight, but to Liz, it seemed like a sign of disapproval. After finishing, Enzo stood up and headed back to the living room, but halfway there, he stopped, turned around and with a deep, serious voice said:

Enzo: The cake is tasty.

Liz smiled timidly and resumed eating.

After dinner, Liz went to the living room to watch some television, while Enzo stood at the doorway of his office, observing her thoughtfully.

He walked over and saw that Liz had fallen asleep. He picked her up and carried her to her bedroom, laying her gently on the bed. He stood over her for a moment, confused by the mix of emotions he was feeling—alternating between something good and something uneasy.