a meal for two

To stand in the kitchen with your man after a long week of nights out can be intimidating. The veggies wilt on the counter, protesting your neglect by looking as unappetizing and uncreative as possible. Not only are you faced with the challenge of creating a meal you both enjoy with this motley crew of faded colors, you realize that it has been a long time since you have spent time ‘just being’ with him. While you are both smiling and bright with friends, dialogue between you has rusted a bit, like the not so sharp knife you brandish for the vegetables.

It is best to start with the garlic. The pungent little heads don’t fade and will rarely disappoint. Slowly you begin to relax into the quick slicing rhythm and the familiar spicy aroma. When he smells the sautéing onions, he decides to warm up too and reaches to measure out water for the bulgar. Soon you are both negotiating the small stovetop, and the quick laughter comes back. You tease each other for silly exploits with friends as you slice into the eggplant and discover that its inner flesh looks sweeter than its skin. As he adds the thinly sliced okra, you marvel at the delicate flower shape and slippery seeds inside the pods. You inhale the silence and activity of this communal meal with deep contentment.

After you have sat down, the heavy ceramic plates are empty, and your bellies full, he reaches into the into the cast iron pan and licks his finger. You pick the last lonely eggplant. Soon the heavy pan is gleaming clean. He sighs, “That was a good meal; Its been a long time since I’ve eaten a meal I really enjoy” You nod. “me too, thanks”.