Aurelia offered a light smile, an acknowledgment without words. The question of whether 'that day' would come was one she couldn't answer.
"I've got to head to the office tomorrow, so I can't drive you to the airport. Drop me a line once you're airborne, okay?"
"Sure." Arnold nodded in agreement.
By the time Aurelia returned to the Stirling Mansion, it was past ten o'clock.
Leopold, the ever-watchful guardian, was scowling as he rummaged through the fridge for a midnight snack.
He had seen Aurelia get up at dawn, bustling about in the modern kitchen, crafting several boxes of treats. To his dismay, there wasn't a single one in sight.
"Feeling hungry? Want a late-night bite?" Aurelia inquired.
His brow furrowed. "What happened to the treats you made this morning?"
Aurelia choked a bit. "I took them with me. If you want, I can make some for you tomorrow."
He shut the fridge and turned to face her, his voice laced with accusation. "Where did you take them? To the office?"
Aurelia thought he was looking for trouble. He knew well she'd gone to see Arnold off.
"I made those treats for Arnold. He's off to the Arctic, of all places. You know how remote and barren it is up there, and the food's scarce. Of course, I had to make him something for the journey."
Leopold knew it. It was always for Arnold. She only ever put that much care into things for him.
"When I went abroad, why didn't I ever get homemade treats?"
Aurelia rolled her eyes, unimpressed. "Did you go to the Arctic?"
"It isn’t the point where I went." Leopold felt sourness seeping from every pore.
If only she could spare him a tenth of the tenderness she showered on Arnold, he'd wake up from dreams with a grin.
Aurelia was at a loss for words. "Fine, I'll make some for you next time, okay?"
Still, a sullen cloud lingered in Leopold's chest, stirring a discomfort he couldn't shake.
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