Harriet answered whisper-like, "Nothing." She sobbed again.
"What do you want? Why were you targeting me?"
"I don't want anything from you …," she faced Sheila, thinking of something. Silence. "But if you allow, I think I need your help."
"Speak."
"Can you teach me how to cook? I mean, how to cook special delicacies?"
Sheila was taken aback hearing the request. "What for?"
"So I can take the cooking contest and get a scholarship and be admitted in the school."
Sheila slightly felt regret for asking. Somehow, she perceived the sincerity of the person requesting. "You could have just ask me for help from the start."
Slowly, Harriet's face glowed, she seemed to see a silver lining coming her way. "Sorry, actually, this only came to mind while we're talking." Deep inside, she prayed the other person will say yes.
"Fine, I can teach you some competition recipes I know."
"You can?"
"Of course."
"You promise?"