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Jerald, still seated on the floor, turned to Ixora with a gentle suggestion, "Go home, Ixora. Take the day off. Check on your twin; she seemed quite upset when she left here an hour ago."

Ixora's teary eyes darted to the wall clock. "It's almost time for school to dismiss. I need to pick up Zira, and I haven't even thought about lunch, let alone dinner."

He waved away her concerns. "Don't worry, I'll pick up Zira from school and handle lunch and dinner. I won't subject us to my questionable cooking skills. As my twin used to say, 'I don't know how to cook, but I can keep the belly satisfied.' Jake was the chef among us when we were younger, always in the kitchen with our mother."

With a sigh, he added, "Take the day off, Ixora. It's been as taxing for you as it has for me, starting with your cramps."

Reluctantly, Ixora pulled away from him. "Thank you so much. In that case..."

Jerald interrupted, "Wait, why was your twin so upset? How did she find out about Jake?" His curiosity got th