Benedict saw Wilma's dejected expression and felt a surge of heartache. Realizing something was amiss, he held her mother’s shoulders and asked, “Mom, did someone say something unpleasant to you and Dad when you came in?”
Welma’s eyes flickered evasively. “No, no, it’s just that I suddenly felt it might not be appropriate.”
Seeing her mother’s apparent attempt to hide the truth, Benedict frowned and was about to say something when she heard Bonnie’s voice.
“Dad, Mom, why are you just standing there? Why don’t you come inside?”
Welma saw Ivor standing beside Bonnie, worried about embarrassing Bonnie, and was about to signal Benedict to hide the bags. Before she could do so, Bonnie and Ivor walked over.
Bonnie's eyes lit up when she saw the two nylon bags in Benedict's hands. “Dad, Mom, did you bring me these from the countryside?”
Welma felt ashamed since she was still troubled by the remarks made by the folks about them being country bumpkins.
She lowered her head and spoke softly. “Yes… We didn’t know what else to bring, so we brought some of your favorites from home. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mom! I love them! Why would I mind?” Bonnie said. She then took one of Benedict's nylon bags and opened it.
Seeing the bag full of chestnuts, she picked one up and started eating it. “Mmm, it’s so sweet. The chestnuts from home are the best.”
Then she took another chestnut and offered it to Ivor. “Try it. See how it tastes.”
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