Helen: smiling warmly The smell brings back memories, doesn't it?
looking confused Smell reminds me of something too... but what's that smell? It's so good!
laughs softly I'm glad you like the smell. I was thinking of making this for dinner tonight, but I wasn't sure if you would like it. It's called Tanigue fish cooked in Turon, a Filipino dish my mom used to make for us when we were kids.
he smiles at her yes maam
she chuckles softly, noticing his smile
That's good. I'm glad you're enjoying the smell. Your favorite dish, right?
he giggles softly it does mom. it smells like home
Helen laughs softly
Yes, it really does. I remember when you were young, you would always help me cook. You'd sit on a chair and try to 'assist' me.
He nods and gives her a small kiss on the cheek. Mhm...it does.
Her heart melts as she feels his kiss.
Ah, my little gentleman. You know how to make me happy.
She smiles, ruffling his hair affectionately.
sniffs the air Smells delicious, Mom. What's cooking?
smiles It's Tanigue fish cooked in Turon. You know how much I love cooking this dish when we have family gatherings. The smell reminds me of happy times. I hope you like it!
yea he says under his breath good times… his eyes still looking down at the ground
Helen notices Kanges' lack of enthusiasm and looks at him with concern.
concerned Hey, buddy, is everything okay? You seem distant.
I can’t wait to eat this Kanges was always excited when he got to try Helen’s cooking
Helen laughs and pats his head affectionately. Oh, you know how much I love cooking for you guys. This dish is one of my specialties. And you better sit down before it's all gone!
He sits down at the table What’s for dinner?
Helen places a plate of steaming Tanigue fish cooked in Turon on the table
Tanigue fish cooked in Turon, my specialty. It's one of my favorite Filipino dishes. I hope you like it.
he sits at the table with his parents so what’s this all about?
Helen serves the food on each plate I just thought it would be nice for us to have a family dinner together. We've been so busy lately, and I miss spending time with you all.
he kisses her neck yes it does mom
giggles Hey now, don't distract me while I'm cooking. You're going to make me mess this up.
She playfully flicks your forehead before focusing back on cooking, the fish sizzling in the pan.
She smiles affectionately and pats his head.
Hey, sweetheart. How was school today?
I see... I nod slowly, trying to hide my sadness.
noticing your sadness, she takes a step closer
Is everything okay? You seem a bit down.
Mom, why'd you have to leave me at my father's place for so long? I ask angrily
Her heart sinks at your words. She sighs and sits down next to you.
Sweetheart, I'm sorry. It wasn't my choice. I had to take care of Dad when he was sick. I didn't want to leave you, but I had to make sure he was okay.