As they passed by the shop, Mindy suddenly stopped and mentioned that she wanted to have some castella. Miranda glanced around, noticing that the shop looked quite old-fashioned, with outdated décor and no promotional posters. One had to walk all the way inside to see the menu of pastries listed on the signboard. Surprisingly, they really did have castella! How did Mindy know, just by standing at the entrance, that the shop sold castella, especially since it turned out to be their specialty?

Mindy simply said, “I don’t know. I just felt like they would have it, and it seemed like it would taste good.”

Lionel chimed in, “Don’t you know your mom’s got a great nose for this stuff? She can tell whether food is good just by its smell.”

“Oh, I see…” Miranda didn’t think much of it and just accepted that her mom indeed had a sharp sense of smell.

Sam, standing nearby, said, “What a coincidence, I’m also here to buy castella.”

“For yourself?” Miranda asked.

He shook his head. “It’s for my grandma.”

“Your grandmother’s here too?” Miranda asked, scanning the room. “I don’t see her anywhere.”

“She got tired and is resting in the café. Later, I’d love to introduce my grandparents to your parents. Last time at the bookstore, my grandma wanted to check out the signing event, but her health didn’t allow it, so she had to head back home.”

“Sure,” Miranda replied with a smile. Since they were both there to buy castella, Miranda, who was in line ahead of Sam, decided to order two portions and handed one to him.

“How much do I owe you? Let me get you the money,” Sam offered.

“No need,” Miranda replied. “This is my treat for your grandmother; it’s not a big deal. Besides, last time you gave me water, and I didn’t pay you either, no?”

Sam just smiled at her response.

“Come on,” Miranda said, glancing back at him. Why was he just standing there smiling?

As they entered the café, they immediately spotted the elderly couple sipping tea by the window. Miranda greeted them warmly.

Fiona’s tired expression instantly lit up when she saw Miranda.

“Grandma, Miranda even bought you some castella,” Sam said.

Fiona looked a bit surprised and turned to Sam. “Didn’t you say you were standing in line? Why did you let this young lady buy it instead?”

Before Sam could respond, Miranda jumped in, “I was already at the front of the line, so I just got it along with my order.”

“Oh, I see… What a thoughtful child. Thank you so much,” Fiona said, reaching for Miranda’s hand and holding it in her own. A sudden thought crossed her mind, and she softly asked, “You seem like such a kind young woman; you must be very beautiful. It’s a pity I can’t see well… Would you mind if I touched your face?”

Miranda could feel Fiona’s gentle hesitancy and smiled kindly, “Of course! Go ahead.” She guided Fiona’s hand up toward her face, just as Lionel’s voice called out from upstairs.

“Mimi!” Lionel and Mindy had gone up to the second floor. As they talked, they noticed their daughter and Sam entering the café and approaching the elderly couple. Since the couple was sitting with their backs facing them, Lionel and Mindy couldn’t see their faces. Lionel’s voice caused both Miranda and the others to momentarily pause and look toward the source of the sound. He waved cheerfully at them, turning to Mindy just in time to see her already heading downstairs.

“Hey, wait for me, dear! Why are you walking so fast?” he called out.

“I’m heading down for some castella; hurry up,” she replied.

“Coming, coming…” he said, trailing after her.

“That was my dad,” Miranda said, smiling at the elderly couple. “You probably didn’t see my mom yet, but they’re coming over now, so I’ll introduce you all in a moment.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Fiona responded, her smile still warm and welcoming.