Snippet #2379138

Matthew’s smile fell when Kataro turned his face away from him. The kid didn’t seem to like him at all, though he couldn’t think of anything he did wrong. He looked over at Lucida who gave him a sympathetic look while shrugging her shoulders.

“It takes him a while to warm up to strangers,” Lucida explained. She called softly to Kataro and gave him is carton box of food. She handed him chopsticks and showed him how to use them. “Tell him if it’s too hard for you and I’ll give you a spoon, ok?”

“What are those things? The ears and the tail I mean,” Matthew gave them a puzzled look.

“Uh… I’m not sure. They’re some kind of robotic thingy. They look really cool, huh?” she laughed nervously and was afraid that Matthew was going to pry further but he didn’t.

“Mhmm… How’s work by the way?” Matthew watched Lucida carefully noticing the small crease forming between her brows. She was stressed out again. He watched as her shoulders drooped a little. Her paycheck would barely cover her expenses for this month.

Lucida ran a hand over her hair and gave a heavy sigh, “I love my job but it just doesn’t pay well… It’s nerve racking not knowing if I’ll have enough to pay what I need.”

“I’ve told you many times you let me help you out. I care a lot about you and I don’t like seeing you so stressed out.” Matthew felt a little redness color his cheeks but Lucida didn’t take notice.

“I can’t take your money. You worked hard for it and you need every bit of it you’re going to open up your own gym…”
It was Matthew’s turn to sigh. “I know that but it doesn’t mean I still can’t help you!” He heard Lucida make an irritated voice and he knew that she was done talking about this.

For the next hour or so they made idle chat and exchanged happenings of their day. Matthew made her laugh very loudly a few times and even tried to Kataro to join in on the fun. As he was leaving, he grabbed Lucida and embraced her. Lucida’s arms came around and hugged Matthew back.

“I know you’re probably tired of hearing this but if you need help with anything just call me ok? Nothing’s too much to ask,” Matthew said.

Softly Lucida said “ok” then pulled away from him. He ruffled her hair a bit before waving goodbye and heading home. Usually after hanging out with him she would feel better, but currently she just felt guilty for lying to him. “Well Kataro it’s pretty late let’s go to bed ok?”