David waited until dinner that evening to confront her. Diane’s fresh chicken and rice sat in the refrigerator, delivered only hours prior. He watched Renata clear their plates, noticing her hesitate near the trash can with the leftover container. “Why do you keep throwing away my mother’s food, Renata?” he asked quietly.
She froze instantly, then set the container onto the counter with agonizing slowness. “I don’t know what you mean, David.” He maintained a flat, unemotional tone. “I have you on camera. I installed a security device by the back door.” Her expression shifted rapidly from shock to cold fury. “You’ve been filming me, without telling me?”
“I was trying to figure out if something was wrong. I actually suspected Elena of throwing away or stealing some food.” David defended himself, shrinking slightly. “So why didn’t you just ask me after you saw me on camera the first time?” she snapped, gripping the plastic container tightly. “That isn’t love, David. That’s surveillance.” He opened his mouth to argue, but found he had no justifiable response to her words.