She wiped her eyes and turned back to Marissa "My dear, is something troubling you? The reason why I insisted on cooking for you today was because I have been seeing how tense you are lately, like someone who is at the edge of a cliff and whom any strong wind could kick off the edge. Is this about this deal thing you have going on with your friend? Or does it have anything to do with where you are going this afternoon?"

Marissa stretched her hand to hold her grandmother's hand and said, "No, ma'am, I am fine. I am sorry if I have made you worry unnecessarily about...