"It's too heartless to just send them away like this," I whispered.
I looked at Alex. His once-healthy face was hollow, and his arms looked as thin as branches. How much had he suffered while he was away? My nose stung with tears. Even if this mess was his own fault, he was my brother. Seeing him look so small and shabby made my heart feel like lead.
Elara stared at me for a long time. She looked at my watery eyes, then at my hand on her sleeve. Finally, she let out a soft sigh and nodded.
"I'll make a reservation," she said.
My whole face brightened. I really thought she would say no, especially with how much she and Alex seemed to hate each other.
I turned to Alex with a huge grin, but he didn't look happy at all. He looked like he had just swallowed something bitter. When he saw me looking, he forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.
The lunch was incredibly stiff.
