—

“What was that all about?”

“You’ll see,” Rumi said, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

Mira set to work chopping up vegetables while Rumi started frying something on the stove. Delicious smells floated up along with the steam making Mira’s stomach growl even more. Rumi shot her a teasing look almost every time it happened. Halfway through the cooking process Rumi handed Mira half of one of the dumplings she had finished frying up. She kept the other half to herself and together they ate the dumpling and together they regretted sticking something still so hot in their mouths. Once the little lump of molten lava had been chased down by a glass of water and a prayer, Mira started to laugh.

“Oh my gosh Rumi, you should’ve seen your face!” Mira clutched at her side as she leaned back against the counter.

“Well, you should’ve seen yours!” Rumi pouted but there was laughter in her eyes.

They finished up the meal. Zoey had already set the table. Mira found their little rhythm comforting. It was how she always imagined what a real home would be like.

“Ok Mira,” Zoey said, “I love you but I know this is gonna hurt so forgive me if I shout expletives in your direction once this starts.”

Mira chuckled. “Oh come on, it can’t be that bad. You’re half Korean, spice is in your blood.”

“I dunno, Mira,” Rumi said, staring at her own bowl like it was about to burst into flames. “I’m full Korean and even I can’t handle your level of spice.”

“You’ll be fine. And besides, we got the dumplings. Those aren’t spicy.”

Mira thought she heard Rumi mutter, “No, but they still burn like hell,” underneath her breath. She chuckled softly.

Mira picked up her chopsticks and scooped up a bite of food. Tteokbokki was her favorite. She didn’t know how they knew it but it was her favorite. It was simple, but there was a food cart near her school that made the best tteokbokki that she would get whenever she had extra cash. She wasn’t able to get it often, but when she did it never failed to make a bad day better. And oh it was deliciously spicy! Tears sprang to her eyes and her tongue tingled, but it was so good.

Zoey lasted all of three bites (two more than Mira thought she would) before beelining it to the fridge where she downed half the milk jug.

“Geez Mira! I can’t feel my tongue and you’re just sitting there eating it like it’s nothing?”

Mira shrugged as she took another bite. “Tastes good.”

Zoey piled her plate high with dumplings. Mira was glad that Rumi had thought to add dumplings to the menu.

Rumi lasted a little longer but even she couldn’t finish her bowl. Tears escaped from the corner of her eyes as she pushed her bowl away from her. “I think I agree with Zoey here, this is really spicy Mira!”

Mira ended up eating the entirety of the rest of Zoey and Rumi’s meals. She was probably going to feel it in the morning, but for now her heart and stomach were content.

By the time they finished cleaning up the meal the sun was just beginning to set. Mira felt a pang of sadness that the day would soon come to a close.

“So, what’s next?” Mira asked.

“You up for presents?” Zoey asked.

“Presents?” Wasn’t this whole thing a present? They didn’t actually get her gifts. Did they?

“Well, duh, it’s your birthday of course we both got you presents!”l

“You didn’t have to.”

“But we wanted to,” Rumi said.