Lake:

About an hour and half a bottle of wine later, my mother returned to the table. Her apron was off her body and her hair was woven into a neat french plait at the back of her head. Shimmering beads of sweat rested on her forehead, I took note of them when she lowered herself to place the food on the table.

I looked into the plate to find a steaming delicacy of curry rice and two magnificent grilled and peppered turkey laps. It was absolutely sensational. I found myself salivating, drooling, even when I had not known I was hungry. The meal pleased River as well, both our...