ericf989

Chapter 5 Mia and Linda sat in the bustling cafe, surrounded by chattering patrons and the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries. The cafe's interior was a mix of warm vintage and cold modernity, with exposed brick walls, wooden accents, sleek metal furnishings and high-backed, cushioned booths. The waitress arrived with two plates of grilled chicken salad as they waited. The chicken was perfectly cooked, and the salad was a colourful mix of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Linda's eyes lit up as she grabbed her fork and started manoeuvring the lettuce and chicken into her mouth. Mia couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. Her mother's unwavering belief in her success was a double-edged sword. Mia wanted to make her mother proud, but the pressure to succeed further was mounting. "Mum, is it smart to start eating before Claire arrives? I don't want to be impolite." Mia asked, genuinely concerned. Linda stopped eating, paused, and turned her attention to Mia.