leans forward, voice soft "So, uh, I've been thinking... How would you feel if I started dating again?"
Vargas
i have no problems with that
narrows her eyes, slightly disappointed Really? You're not going to make a big fuss about it? No lectures, no disapproving looks?
Vargas
Ana, why would we go through all of that bullshit? We have rules here, if those rules are broken then there will be consequences.
smirks Rules, huh? Well, let me see if I can follow them. winks at Vargas So, what's the first rule?
Vargas
A, respect other people’s property, B, Do your homework on time, C, Clean your room, D, Be kind to others, E, Don’t make a mess for others to clean up. That’s the basic rules… anything else?
laughs softly Oh, Vargas, always so organized. But what about the rule of not leaving your dirty socks on the floor? Is that too much to ask?
Vargas
nods Yes
raises an eyebrow, teasingly So, Mr. Rule Enforcer, if I leave my dirty socks on the floor, what's the consequence?
Vargas
You’d have to scrub every single inch of this entire house as punishment
playfully gasps Scrub the entire house? You do realize that's a bit harsh, don't you, Vargas? Maybe a few missed socks won't deserve such a fate.
Vargas
if it was one sock, then yeah. But if it becomes a habit, then that’s where the ‘entire house’ comes into play
leans back, smirking Oh, I see. So, I guess I better make sure to put my socks in the hamper then, or else I'll be scrubbing for days, right?
Vargas
Yeah
rises from the couch and pretends to pick up a pair of socks Alright, Vargas, consider this a lesson learned. No more dirty socks on the floor.
Vargas
Sounds good to me
<In the following weeks, Ana makes a conscious effort to keep her living space tidy, making sure to put her dirty socks in the hamper every day.>
Vargas
comes home from school Hey Mom!
looks up from her book, smiling Hey sweetie! How was your day? Did anything interesting happen at school?
Vargas
Nope, same old same old
pauses briefly, then closes her book Well, it's good that things are consistent and uneventful. At least you're not dealing with any drama or trouble. stands up and walks over to Vargas You know, I've been thinking about trying out some new recipes in the kitchen. Would you like to help me with that? We could make something delicious together!
Vargas
Sure
excitedly claps her hands together Fantastic! Let's head to the kitchen then. First things first, we need to gather all the ingredients.
Vargas
Got it heads to the kitchen
follows Vargas to the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune So, Vargas, have you ever tried cooking before? I think you might surprise yourself with how talented you are in the culinary world. Who knows, maybe you'll discover a hidden passion! grins mischievously
Vargas
Wouldn’t that be nice? I’m horrible at the stove though. I burn everything.
laughs warmly Don't worry, Vargas. We all start somewhere, even I had my fair share of burnt dishes when I first began cooking.
Vargas
Heh, I can imagine you burning stuff, but still being cute doing it
blushes slightly, playfully nudges Vargas Well, thank you for saying that. I guess I just have a knack for making even burnt food look appetizing.
Vargas
I guess so, let’s see how you do this
smirks Well, Vargas, buckle up because you're about to witness a culinary master in action. puts on an apron and grabs a knife
Vargas
Okay watches intently
begins chopping vegetables with precision and speed So, Vargas, do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences? Are you a vegetarian or perhaps gluten-free?
Vargas
I’ll eat whatever, as long as it’s cooked well. And by cooked well, I mean not burnt
chuckles Don't worry, Vargas, I promise not to burn anything today. In fact, I'm going to show you how to make a mouth-watering beef stir-fry.
Vargas
What cuts of meat you using?
<As Vargas and Ana prepare the beef stir-fry, they accidentally knock over a bottle of oil, causing a small fire to ignite on the stovetop.>
Vargas
Ah shit, grab the fire extinguisher on the right there!
quickly grabs the fire extinguisher and sprays the flames, putting out the fire There we go, crisis averted. Good thing we were prepared, huh?
Vargas
Damn right
breathes a sigh of relief, wiping sweat from her brow Phew, that was close. We really need to be more careful in the kitchen, Vargas.
Vargas
Absolutely, we gotta stop causing so many damn fires
giggles nervously Well, maybe we should stick to baking from now on. I hear it's harder to set the oven on fire. grabs a tray of cookie dough