9 Nisha and Oreoles (1/2)
”Oh my,” Catarina suddenly exclaimed. ”How could I forget? Are you hungry?”
It had been some time since we emptied the mugs. Clouds cloaked the sun, turning the day surprisingly pleasant. Perfect for a day out. Perfect for enjoying the lake. The surface had the tiniest of ripples from the gentle breeze kissing the cool water playfully. The clear water turned dark silver reflecting the heavy clouds above. The voice of the lake reached our ears, asking if it was going to rain.
”It's not going to rain,” Catarina said with a smile.
I couldn't know if she spoke to me or to the lake.
The question woke my slumbering stomach, and I nodded.
”If you didn't bring it up, maybe I wouldn't know. But yeah, I am hungry. You cook?”
Catarina looked at me amused. She had such a beautiful smile.
”Of course. You can't?”
”No,” I answered, shaking my head.
The answer didn't please her. The smile fell. Her eyes became smaller as she turned thoughtful. Her lips were pursed, opening when she found the words to speak. And she brightened as she spoke.
”It is one of the essential skills in our line of work. We need to watch after our health. I'm thinking you're like us, get completely absorbed in what you're doing and forget all else. A lot of times, we'll find ourselves alone. We must know how to cook for ourselves.”
I listened carefully. But I didn't agree.
”I'm never alone,” I said, immediately realising something was wrong with my words.
I needed a minute to correct myself.
”I mean, there's always someone to cook for me.”
”What if you're studying all by yourself?”
”Daddy and mommy will come over.”
I couldn't understand what was so funny. Catarina was laughing so hard.
”Okay, come, I'll be mommy for now.”
She walked us back inside. She sat me on the outer side of the counter, while she began cooking on the inside.
”I can't cook much. I love instant ramen. There's so many flavours. Keep us going for weeks without tiring out. I keep forgetting, you're only fifteen. You must love instant ramen.”
”No,” I answered slowly. ”I never had instant ramen.”
She was surprised. She stopped, to look at me in disbelief.
”Are you for real?”
”Yeah, I'm real.”
”That's not what I mean. Forget it. How can you have never had instant ramen?”
”Mommy always cooked soft noodles, fresh. Daddy makes the best fried noodles. Whatever flavour we feel like, they cook it. I never had instant ramen.”
”Who are you?”
”Why does everyone keep asking that? I'm no one.”
”I'm sure you are.”
She was shaking her head as she turned to the stove and boiled water.
”Today, you'll have instant ramen. Let's take pictures. Of the bowls of ramen. Of you eating. And we'll send them to your mommy and daddy. I'm sure they'll love them.”