I licked a crumb off my thumb as I leaned forward, my elbows now resting on the kitchen counter. The last bite of my sandwich sat comfortably in my stomach. Not the most exciting meal, but enough to keep me going until dinner.
Across the kitchen, two women moved around with an ease that came from routine. I’d seen them before, chatted with them in passing. But I hadn’t really sat with them like this. They were older than me, both dressed in crisp white aprons, their sleeves rolled up as they handled the quiet tasks that came before cooking actually started. One was at the sink, rinsing a cutting board, while the other sorted through a basket of fresh vegetables.
Maria and Elise. That was their names. I hadn’t asked directly, but I’d picked them up from listening. Maria, the shorter one w
