Cooking Together

“You’re back,” Mrs. Riordan announced as Anna stepped away from the front door. “I was just about to prepare dinner, you know.”

Anna nodded, stepping closer to the woman who began making her way to the kitchen. “I’ll join you, Mother.”

“That would be very sweet if you. Here.” She handed Anna a stack of washed vegetables and a knife while she took out some potatoes to peel.

Three minutes in, the woman staggered backward, holding her head in her hands. Anna immediately rushed toward her. “Mother, are you okay?”

She helped the woman sit on a chair and offered her a glass of water. “Are you okay? Do you need the doctor?”

“I…I don’t. I’m just a little bit tired. I’ll be fine.”

“You should go have a rest. Come on, you should go to your room.”

“Who then is going to help you in the kitchen?”

Anna stared at the vegetables and potatoes on the island table. They’re a lot of work to do but she was a pro at it. It wasn’t the first time that she was cooking something like this.

“I’ll take