She stopped halfway, her voice dissolving into soft, barely audible sobs.
Simon immediately crouched down, pulling out a tissue to dab at tears that didn't exist.
"Alright, alright, it's not your fault."
"It's on me. I forgot to ask her in advance."
He looked up. His eyes hardened the second they landed on me.
"Jasmine, apologize to Sarah."
"You scared her."
My smile stiffened. Froze on my face.
"Scared her? How?"
"Didn't I just say it was fine?"
Simon's patience snapped.
"You call that fine? Dissatisfaction is written all over your face!"
"Sarah is in poor health. Is it so hard for you to yield to her, just a little?"
His raised voice drew curious glances from the neighboring tables.
I lowered my head, refusing to play the role of the immature shrew in this public farce.
"Fine. Sorry."
I looked directly at Sarah, enunciating every word.
"I shouldn't have been unhappy. I shouldn't have scared you."
Sarah's face went pale. She shook her head frantically.
"No, Jasmine, don't be like that! It's all my fault!"
"Brother, stop blaming Jasmine. Let's just go home. I won't eat anymore, okay?"
As she spoke, she tried to maneuver her wheelchair around.