Keep smiling and eat

She sat in the big comfortable chair. It was next to the table at the end with the cakes. Everyone sat around the table. Or stood ready to run after the younger children. She already had a plate of cakes in her lap. A token sandwich had already been eaten. Now she consumed the good stuff. Hints of cream remained on her lips. She could reach the plate of cakes for further treats. She looked at those speaking. Sometimes someone looked at her and said something. Usually, she would smile and nod. A stranger came by and commented on her plate of cakes. She tried to say a few actual words but nothing came out except sounds. So she smiled. Her relative jumped in and answered. Her speech was gone. She could still enjoy the company though. Especially when they bring cakes.