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 I 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. I suddenly feel like having some watermelon 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 home with all kinds of fruit. Or if there's something specific you want, we can ask Aaron to get it when we get home."
"But I 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 some change.
"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 some nuts? 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, give me a 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 I was pregnant, it was summer, and I had a bowl every day without fail. The children I gave birth to have such clear skin, not like my old face. Hahaha."
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