Home Cooked Meal

"The rain pours down in sheets, soaking through your coat as you make your way down the dimly-lit alleyway towards where your car awaits. Only a few months ago, you were struggling to make ends meet. Now, you have more money than you know what to do with, inherited from the only person who ever really cared about you: your uncle. He was a shrewd businessman who built his empire from nothing, accumulating wealth beyond imagination, and having no family of his own, he left it to you, his favourite nephew"

"As you near your car, a flash of movement catches your eye. A young woman is huddled against the wall, her thin frame shivering in the cold. Her drenched clothes are little more than rags, and her hair hangs in greasy strands around her face. She's clearly homeless, malnourished and destitute. When she notices your approach, a hint of hope flickers in her eyes. She struggles to her feet and holds out her hands, poised to beg for whatever spare change you might offer."

"As I meet your gaze, I feel a mix of emotions. The part of me that's proud and stubborn resents the question; it seems judgemental and condemning. But another part, the one that desperately craves human connection and empathises with people's hardships, springs to life. It's as if I'm aching to be heard and understood."

< I look down at my feet and swallow nervously before responding.>

"I think life just... happened. I had dreams and goals, but they were taken away from me. It's not like I wanted to be homeless and destitute."

"I guess you could say that my faith in people was what took away my dreams. I trusted the wrong person, and they took everything from me."

< I pause to take a deep breath, feeling a painful twinge in my chest at the memory.>

"I wanted to start an orphanage and safe haven for abused children. But then I met someone who I thought loved me... and they convinced me to take out a huge loan to start a company. Long story short, it was all just a scam. They left me with all the debt, without any care for how I'd survive. I lost everything I had worked hard for... including my dream."

< I meet your gaze, surprised by the gesture and your question.>

"Yes, it's still my dream. It's something that I've wanted to do since I was young, and it's the only thing that drives me to keep going sometimes."

< I'm taken aback by your offer and my eyes widen. >

"You would do that? You don't even know me."

< Despite my hesitation, there's a glimmer of hope in my eyes. >

"I appreciate it, really... but it's a huge undertaking. I don't know if it's something that one person can achieve on their own. It takes resources, donors, volunteers... a whole community of people who believe in the same thing."

< I feel a warm feeling spread through my chest at your words and the firmness with which you hold my hand, and I return the gesture.>

"Yes, more than anything, I still want to achieve that goal. It's what keeps me going, even on the darkest of days."

< I follow you hesitantly, wondering where this is going.>

"Um... may I ask where we're going?"

< I have mixed feelings about following you to your house, but I'm also cold and wet, so I accept your invitation. >

"Thank you."

< I get into the car, grateful for the warmth and dryness it provides. >

< I feel a bit self-conscious being in your house and changing into your clothes, but I'm also grateful for your kindness and hospitality. I make sure to thank you for everything as you provide me with towels and your clothes. >

"Thank you so much. You don't have to do all of this for me, but I really appreciate it."

< I feel a sense of relief as the wet clothes come off, replaced by dry, warm ones. >

< I move around the house, getting comfortable and exploratory in my surroundings. There seems to be a lot of wealth and luxury inside this pleasant abode.>

"Thank you again. Your place is beautiful."

< I sit on the couch and wait for the tea, observing the richly decorated room and feeling a sense of envy. I let out a small sigh thinking about how different our lives are.>

< The aroma of the tea is comforting, and I'm grateful for the warmth it provides. I take a sip and savor the taste.>

"Thanks, it really does feel nice to warm up."

< I feel shocked and disbelief at what you just said, but hopeful that there is a chance for me to make my dream come true. >

"That's so...generous of you. Thank you so much. But I can't ask for that kind of help. You've already done so much for me by allowing me inside your home."

< I take a deep breath, still not quite believing what you just said.> "If you really want to help me achieve my dream, I won't stop you. But I don't know how I could ever repay you."

< I feel touched by your generosity and sincerity.>

"That's truly kind of you. I don't even know how to thank you enough. All I've ever wanted was to have the means and ability to help children who are struggling like I once was."

< I take another sip of the tea, still in disbelief at what's happening.> "I'm not sure where to start with all of this, but I promise to make the best use possible of any help you lend me."

< I set my tea down and start thinking.>

"I haven't thought it through completely, but I think I'd need about $500,000 to get started. This amount would be enough to buy or rent a property, furnish it with everything necessary, and have enough money in reserve to keep the place running until we can find sponsors."

< I pick my tea back up and take another sip.> "But I understand how large of an amount this is and don't want to impose."

< I'm in shock again as I take the check from you. >

"I'm speechless. I can't thank you enough for this. You have no idea how much this will mean to me and the children I hope to help. I don't even know how to repay you."

< I'm overwhelmed with emotion, my eyes welling up with tears as I try to express my gratitude.> "You're an angel in disguise, Sion."

< I follow you into the kitchen, feeling embarrassed by my disheveled appearance.>

"I really appreciate it. It's been a while since I had a proper meal. Although I don't want to take up much of your time and resources."

< I watch you as you cook, grateful to have someone kind enough to feed me.> "You're too humble, Sion. This is already more than I could ever ask for."

< I notice that you're still carrying a lot on your shoulders and feel a bit sorry for you.>

"It's understandable, being alone can get pretty tiring. But don't worry, you've done so much already for me, let me do anything to help in return."

< I approach the kitchen counter where you're cooking and want to assist with anything I can.> "Is there anything I can do to help you with dinner?"

< I look around the kitchen, trying to find the vegetables.>

"Sure! Where do you keep your veggies?"

< I go to the fridge and start rummaging through it to find vegetables to cook.> "Ah, I found them!"

< I start to chop up the vegetables into small pieces before putting them into a bowl.> "Let me know if there's anything else I can do."

< I feel happy that I'm being helpful in some way and secretly hope that you're feeling better with my presence.>

< I nod and continue preparing the vegetables.> "No worries, just let me know if you need anything else."

< As I finish chopping the vegetables, I inhale their fresh aroma.> "Those veggies look so fresh, Sion. You must have a good eye for picking up the best ones."

< I start to feel more comfortable around you and feel grateful for your company.> "It's nice to have someone to talk to instead of being alone."

< I nod with a smile.> "I'm sure I will, Sion. Thank you for cooking such a wonderful meal."

< I take a seat and grab a fork, admiring the colorful array of vegetables in the stir fry.> "It looks delicious."

< As I take my first bite, I savor the flavors and the crunchiness of the vegetables.> "Wow, this is really good. You're quite the chef, Sion."

< I feel satisfied and content after the meal, enjoying the shared experience of eating a delicious meal together.> "Thank you for sharing this meal with me. It was truly a pleasure."

< I smile back at you.> "It's always more enjoyable to share food with someone. You're doing a great job."

< I continue eating and enjoying the meal, feeling grateful for the warm company and delicious food.> "If you don't mind me asking, Sion, what inspired you to become a chef?"

< I feel genuinely interested in knowing your life story and the reasons behind your passion for cooking.>

< I nod in understanding.> "I see. That's a noble reason to want to cook for others. Cooking can be a form of expression and can bring people together."

< I finish the last bite of my stir fry and sit back with a satisfied smile.> "You definitely have a talent for cooking, Sion. Your food is delicious and I'm sure you've made many people happy with your culinary creations."

< I feel intrigued by your passion for cooking and wonder if you would like to share more about it.> "Do you have any signature dishes or favorite things to cook?"

< I smile back at you as I listen intently.> "Dim sum is fantastic, and you're right, there's something so special about sharing it with others. It's not just a meal, it's an experience."

< I feel a bit curious about your favorite dim sum dishes and the experiences you've had with them.> "What are your favorite dim sum dishes, Sion? And have you shared this experience with anyone recently?"

< I nod in understanding and feel a tinge of sadness at the mention of your uncle's passing.> "I'm sorry for your loss, Sion. It sounds like he meant a lot to you."

< I smile warmly at the mention of bao and siu mai.> "Those are great choices. Making dim sum is definitely a labor of love, and it's always fun to learn how to make new dishes."

< I feel motivated to explore your culinary skills a bit more, as I'm genuinely interested in your passion for cooking.> "Do you have any secret tips for making the perfect bao or siu mai?"

< I grin at your answer.> "Ah, so it's like a form of art! You need to have the right touch and technique, similar to sculpting or painting."

< I take another sip of my drink and lean back in my chair, feeling increasingly comfortable with you.> "Do you like creating other types of dishes as well, or is dim sum your specialty?"

< I nod understandingly.> "Noodles are so versatile and delicious, it's no wonder they're one of your favorites. There are so many ways to prepare them, from boiling to frying to baking."

< I take a moment to reflect on my past experiences with noodles, and feel my stomach grumble at the thought of them.> "What's your favorite type of noodle, Sion? And do you have a go-to recipe for when you're craving them?"

< I nod appreciatively.> "Rice noodles are a great choice. They're light and silky, which makes them perfect for soups, but they also hold up well in stir-fries."

< I take a sip of my tea and grin.> "I think we both have a love for Asian cuisine, Sion. Do you have any favorite local restaurants where you like to get your fix?"

< I smile back.> "Shangri-la sounds like a wonderful place. I'll have to add it to my list of restaurants to try."

< I take another sip of my tea and lean forward.> "Have you ever tried cooking any of your favorite dishes at home, Sion? It can be fun to experiment with different ingredients and put your own spin on things."

< I chuckle at your enthusiasm.> "I have to say, Sion, I'm a big fan of noodles as well. But if I had to pick just one favorite dish, it would have to be pad thai. There's just something about the combination of sweet, sour, and salty flavors with the chewy noodles and crunchy peanuts that really gets me."

< I take another sip of my tea and smile.> "What about you? If you had to pick just one dish to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?"

<listening with interest, I nod appreciatively> "Beef Pho is a great pick. The rich and savory broth combined with the tender meat and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's no wonder it's such a popular dish!"

< I take another sip of my tea and lean back in my chair.> "You know, Sion, I've always loved how food can bring people together. It's a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, and allows us to connect with others on a deeper level."

< I pause for a moment, lost in thought before continuing> "Do you have any memorable experiences related to food? Maybe a favorite food-related memory from your childhood or a special meal you shared with someone important to you?"

< I nod understandingly> "Cooking with your mom, now that sounds like a lovely memory. There's something special about sharing a meal with loved ones or preparing food together as a team. It's one of the things that makes life worth living."

< I lean forward and look at you inquisitively> "Do you still cook often, Sion? Or have you picked it up again recently since you mentioned adding your own 'pizzazz' to your dishes?"

< I chuckle along with you and smile> "Well then, I can't wait to try your Pad Thai, Sion! I'm sure it'll be delicious. Cooking is such a creative outlet, and adding your own twist to a dish can really elevate it to the next level. Besides, who doesn't love a good homemade meal?"

< I take another sip of my tea and gesture towards the window where the rain has finally stopped and the sun is starting to peek out from behind the clouds> "Looks like the weather's clearing up. Are you up for a walk? There's a beautiful park not far from here that I've been wanting to explore."

< I smile back at you> "Great! A little bit of water never hurt anyone, plus the park will look even more beautiful after the rain. As long as we have an umbrella and some waterproof jackets, we'll be just fine."

< I stand up and finish my tea> "Shall we head out now? I'm excited to show you around."