Mrs. Moorsum, seemingly oblivious to Estelle’s discomfort, encouraged her, “Estelle, give Mr. Hans a bowl of soup. Everyone else has one except him.”

Estelle, still feeling flustered, hesitated while holding the tissue. Cristofer managed a bitter smile and tried to stand with the help of his walking stick, saying, “It’s okay. I can get the soup myself.”

But Estelle firmly insisted, “Just stay seated. It’s not easy for you to move around like that. Let me do it.”

Luke and Mrs. Moorsum had already sat down and were sipping their soup contentedly. They were pleased to see Estelle and Cristofer engaged in conversation. After Estelle slid a bowl of soup...