Chapter 238
Growing up without much, Morwenna had leamed to save the best for last. It was a habit that gave her a bit of happiness, even when times were tough. Her ability to relish in the small pleasures of a hearty meal was evident as she sat contentedly after finishing her food.
The chatter from nearby tables grew louder, their curiosity piqued by Morwenna’s hearty appetite.
Whispers of judgment floated over. “Who’s this eating champion from out of town?”
“Has she not eaten in ages? Downing three mashed potatoes like they’re going out of fashion. Isn’t she worried about bursting?”
Dahlia’s fork clattered onto her plate in disapproval.
Girls could be sensitive about such comments, and with Morwenna’s modest background, it could have been a moment of deep embarrassment for her. Yet, Morwenna didn’t bow her head in shame or pretend she hadn’t heard.
She stood up, tidied her tray, and responded, “There’s no rule on how much one can eat. Refills on the mashed potatoes are free, courtesy of the school. I’m just making sure I’m well–fed. Is there a problem with that?”
Silence enveloped the room, a tacit agreement with her logic.
Indeed, what was the issue?
Typically, girls targeted by such remarks might retreat into their shells, lacking the courage to defend their choices in the face of public scrutiny. The room remained quiet, the previous commentators at a loss for words.
ཅལ ཝཿ ཧ ཛ དེན ཆ བན ༤ ཚ འ ༤ ཇ
Being real always wins in a chat.
Dahlia, too, finished her meal without leaving any waste, standing up to say to Morwenna, “All set? Let’s head out. No matter how prestigious the school or how much we learn, some people just can’t grasp the concept of respect.”
Morwenna nodded, following Dahlia out of the cafeteria.
Back at their dorm, they heard sounds indicating the arrival of a new roommate.
As Morwenna opened the door, a brusque voice announced, “My name’s Lorna. I’ll stay out of your way if you stay out of mine.”
Morwenna paused, momentarily mistaking the tomboyish new arrival for a boy.
Their dorm was a four–bed setup, with beds above and desks below. Having arrived early, Dahlia and Morwenna had chosen the beds by the window. Lorna casually picked one of the remaining beds.
Each empty bed had a gift bag, a welcome gesture from Norbert. Lorna glanced at it briefly before discarding it beside the trash can. Morwenna’s curiosity turned to dismay. She approached, picked up the discarded gift, and said, “Lorna, this is a welcome gift from my grandfather. If it’s not to your liking, I can take it, but it’s rude to throw it away without a second thought.”
Morwenna wasn’t one for harsh words. The biggest insult she’d ever uttered was calling someone rude.
Lorna’s response was aggressive. “Didn’t you hear what I just said? Keep out of my business, or I’ll make you regret it. I’m not in the mood for your trash gifts. One more word and you’re asking for a smack.”
Toweringly tall, Lorna loomed over Morwenna, the threat of imminent confrontation hanging in the air.
Dahlia stepped in, protective and unafraid, positioning herself between Morwenna and Lorna, ready to defend her friend.
At that moment, Morwenna stood her ground, rolling her sleeves, ready to face whatever came next.