Satisfactory Dinner

With Hana content to watch, I set to work preparing the meal. I kept it simple: a chicken stir-fry with fresh vegetables and a corn soup to go along with it.

While I was doing that, Hana, who had nothing to do but watch the pot boil, occasionally chimed in with playful comments or questions. But mostly, she just observed with a satisfied smile as I worked through the steps.

She never tried to disturb me, like sneaking up for a hug from behind. She knew better than to distract the chef. Instead, she always made sure to stay in my line of sight, where our eyes would meet, and we’d exchange silent smiles.

In her case, it’s like watching me, her husband, prepare a special meal for her. Meanwhile, she’s the source of my motivation. Each of her smiles added a new flavor to the food I was preparing.

Before long, the food was ready.

The aroma of the cooked chicken and vegetables filled the kitchen. I plated the meal and moved to the dining table that Hana had already fixed.