The young woman followed her eyes.
For a moment, Arthur wished he had chosen a table farther from the entrance, but then she brought her hands together, smiled through eyes that had suddenly filled with tears, and silently mouthed her thanks.
He nodded, hoping she would simply enjoy her meal.
Instead, after her daughter finished eating, the woman approached his table, holding the little girl’s hand.
“Excuse me, sir. I hope we’re not interrupting.”
Arthur stood.
“Not at all.” “I wanted to thank you properly. You have no idea what that dinner meant to us.” “I’m glad I could help.”
She introduced herself as Hannah Bennett and her daughter as Sophie, who offered Arthur a cheerful greeting before noticing the empty chairs surrounding his table.
“Are you eating Christmas dinner all by yourself?” Sophie asked.
Hannah looked embarrassed. “Sweetheart, that’s a little personal.”
