It was finally 5:00 PM when I finished work. I went to the store and bought myself a chocolate bar. Then, I headed to the bus stop and waited for the bus. While waiting, I looked up how to make Pad Thai. Finally, the bus arrived, and I got on. As I sat in the back seat, I continued reading the recipe for Pad Thai. It seemed simple, but I still wondered if I could get the sauce just right.
The bus slowly made its way through the evening traffic while I gazed out the window. The sky was turning orange as the sun set, and the city looked calmer than it did during the day.
After a few stops, I put my phone in my pocket and leaned back. Fatigue slowly crept up on me. My thoughts wandered to the day behind me, and at the same time, I was thinking about how I would prepare dinner for Chak at home.
When I finally arrived at my stop, I stepped off the bus and headed toward Chak's house. I reached the gate, took out the piece of paper he had given me, and entered the code. The gate opened, and I stepped inside, closing it behind me. I walked slowly toward the front door. Entering another code, I stepped inside, made my way to the kitchen, and turned on the light. Stretching briefly, I then started preparing dinner.
I began by making the rice noodles. I mixed rice flour, tapioca starch, and salt in a bowl. Gradually, I added water until a smooth dough formed. While letting the dough rest, I prepared the sauce. In a small bowl, I combined tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and chili powder. Tasting the sauce, I realized it could use a bit more sugar.
As I cooked, I thought about Chak's words. I hoped the dinner would turn out well and that he would be satisfied.
I heated some oil in a pan and sautéed garlic until fragrant. Then, I added shrimp, quickly stir-frying them before pouring in beaten eggs. Once the eggs were cooked, I tossed in the noodles and mixed everything well with the prepared sauce. The kitchen filled with aromatic scents, filling me with a sense of pride.
Just as I plated the food, I heard the door open. Chak had returned home.
I heard his footsteps echoing down the hallway. My heart started beating a little faster. He stepped into the kitchen and paused for a moment, seemingly taking in the scene before him.
"Smells good," he said in a low voice, looking at me.
"I hope it tastes just as good," I replied with a small smile, though I felt a little nervous.
Chak sat down at the table, and I served him a plate. I watched as he picked up his spoon and fork, taking the first bite. His expression remained unchanged, but then he slowly nodded.
"Not bad," he finally said.
I felt as if I had passed some secret test. I sat across from him and began eating. Dinner was quiet, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Every so often, Chak glanced at me, as if he was contemplating something.
When we finished, he put down his spoon and fork and looked me straight in the eyes. "You did well."
I wasn't sure if he was talking about the food or something else, but I didn't dare ask.