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“Baby soup,” says Viren, even though he is on the second helping.
“Well, I wasn’t sure how your stomach would handle it, so I didn’t want to risk it...”
“The level of risk in my life has gone down considerably…”
I look at him.
“You better watch out, or I’ll take your soup away.”
He gives me a sideways smile.
“All things considered, I could’ve ended up somewhere much worse,” he nods. “And really, I’m not complaining. I’d just love to eat something normal.”
“I could make you some toast, if you want — quick and easy.”
“Yes, please.”
“Just butter, or do you want something on it? I’ve got ham or cheese.”
Viren thinks for a moment.
“Can I have both? Ham and cheese?”
“You can.”
I get up and head to the kitchen.
And then… I get an idea. I rummage through drawers—I’m sure I didn’t throw them out… ah, here’s one! And another… Good.
I make the toast, carefully layer ham and cheese, and take the plate to his room.
“Here you go — toast, as requested.”
Viren glances at the plate and bursts out laughing.
“What…? Is that to go with the baby soup?”
On his plate, cut out with cookie cutters, are three toast dragons and a flower.