You Hit My Heart by Kylie Stanford

Chapter 1919: A Happy Family

On their way home, Anderson saw a small handcart by the roadside with the words "Watermelon Ice" written on it. He knocked on

the car window, "Can we stop for a moment?"

The car slowed down, and Aaron pulled over to the side of the road.

Joyce embraced Anderson, looked in the direction he was gazing, and asked, "What's up?"

Anderson pointed to the small cart outside, "They're selling watermelon ice by the roadside, and | want to have some."

"Chuckle," Joyce laughed, "You had a lot for dinner. Are you hungry again?"

Turning around, Anderson replied, "Dinner was a bit too much. | suddenly feel like having swatermelon ice."

"Can we eat stuff from the roadside? What if it's not clean?" Luther questioned. He never ate from street vendors. "We have a fruit

platter at hwith all kinds of fruit. Or if there's something specific you want, we can ask Aaron to get it when we get home."

"But | want this," Anderson insisted rarely.

"Okay," Joyce gently patted his head. "Alright, since you want it, let's get out now."

Although Luther was not very willing, he still got out of the car and opened the back door for them.

Anderson jumped out of the car and ran towards the watermelon ice stand by the roadside, stopping in front of it.

The vendor was a woman in her fifties, her skin dark in the night, with deep wrinkles on her face, showing the marks of time.

"Little kid, it's hot weather. Do you want a bowl? It's very cheap, only $15. Our watermelons are home-grown, and the ingredients

are all homemade. It's natural, organic, healthy, and hygienic." The vendor enthusiastically promoted her watermelon ice.

On a summer night without breeze, the air was sweltering.

Indeed, a bowl of cooling ice was needed to relieve the heat.

Luther looked disdainfully at the roadside stall, making a face that clearly indicated he believed it was not edible.

Joyce glared at him slightly, signaling him not to spoil Anderson's mood. Considering Anderson's picky nature, he rarely suddenly

craved anything.

"Get one," Joyce handed over schange.

"Sure," the vendor took the money and started working. She scooped out the ice from a large pot, added freshly cut watermelon,

seasonings, syrup, raisins, and more.

"Do you want snuts? Any allergies to peanuts or the like?" the vendor asked.

"No, everything is fine," Joyce replied.

Soon, the vendor prepared the watermelon ice and carefully handed it to Anderson, "Kid, enjoy. There's a seat nearby. Do you want

to sit and eat?"

"It's okay, I'll stand and eat," Anderson shook his head, took a spoonful of ice, and ate heartily. It was refreshingly cool and

delicious. Being cooped up in the hospital was stuffy, having a bowl of ice to cool off and catch a breath was just right.

"How is it? Is it good?" Joyce asked curiously.

"Mmm, it's good. Mom, you should try it too," Anderson scooped a spoonful and fed it to Joyce.

Joyce tasted it and her eyes lit up, "It's really good, givea bowl too."

Luther intervened quietly, "You're pregnant, and ice is cold. What if it upsets your stomach?"

Joyce gave him a look, "I'm not that delicate. Who says pregnant women can't have cold things? It's not like I'm having my period."

Luther, "..."

The vendor chuckled, "Don't worry, it's even better to have it when pregnant. It's appetizing and refreshing. When | was pregnant,

it was summer, and | had a bowl every day without fail. The children | gave birth to have such clear skin, not like my old face.

Hahaha."

As the vendor spoke, she prepared another bowl of ice and handed it to Joyce.

"Get one for my sister too," Anderson had already eaten most of his bowl.

"Wow, you have so many kids in your family, you're really blessed," the vendor said happily upon hearing about Anderson's sister

and his mother's pregnancy. "Sir, do you want one too? What about your driver? Let's just get one for everyone."

The vendor smiled, "Buy 4 get 1 free, I'll take the money for 4 portions."

Joyce smiled and handed over a hundred-dollar bill, "One for each person, plus one to go. Keep the change."

"Okay, thank you," the vendor happily took the money and prepared the ice.

Anderson ran over to call Aaron down from the car and handed him a bowl of ice.

"Uncle, you should have stoo."

"Sure," Aaron smiled and accepted it.

After resolving this major concern of Athena, everyone's spirits were relaxed today, unlike before when they were tense. Even

Aaron breathed a sigh of relief as he enjoyed the rare coolness and comfort while eating the ice.

When the ice was handed to Luther, his expression still showed reluctance.

"Eat it, it's not poison. You look so repelled. It really tastes good. Don't underestimate street vendors; they often represent

traditional craftsmanship. | grew up eating these, and | haven't suffered for it," Joyce said as she chuckled, lowering her head to eat

her own ice. She didn't realize she misspoke.

The words "poison" pierced Luther's heart like needles. His poison was unresolved, and in front of everyone, a seemingly happy

family, he couldn't shake off the feeling that things weren't as perfect as they seemed.

To conceal his desolation, he took a bite of the ice, but he felt no taste, only bitterness in his mouth.

Unaware, Joyce asked with a smile, "So, Mr. Warner, is it delicious?"

"Mmm," Luther nodded reluctantly, forcing a smile.

After finishing the ice, they got back into the car.

Aaron continued driving, while Anderson held the packed ice box for Alisha.

They arrived hquickly.

As they walked in, Alisha ran out from inside, followed by Cecelia.

"Daddy, mommy, you've been gone for so long, you've finally cback. If you didn't return, Alisha would have had to sleep," she

said.

Luther picked Alisha up, swirling her in his arms, "Tonight, daddy will sleep with you, okay?"

"Mommy will too. I'm so sleepy," Alisha pouted, yawning and rubbing her eyes.

"Of course," Joyce's heart was filled with tenderness. "Mommy will take you back to your room now."

"Hey, are you all ignoring me? | brought delicious watermelon ice for you," Anderson frowned, pretending to be angry as he waved

the packed box in his hand.

"Wow, | want some!" Alisha slipped down from Luther and excitedly said, "Thank you, big brother."

Then, she hugged Anderson and planted a big kiss on his cheek.

Anderson stiffened, "Hmm, that's enough."

Cecelia gazed gently at the family of four, no, the family of six, with a warm smile on her lips.

Hopefully, these days can last a little longer, just a little longer.

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

mmMyWL11I01F1081

mMMwWLIIOfiflO&1