It was a warm, breezy afternoon when Lala peeked her head into the living room, where Thuy was reading a book. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her voice carried a hopeful tone.
“Thuy,” she said sweetly, “Can you go to the market for me? I want to make my favorite dish tonight—braised tofu with mushrooms and ginger!”
Thuy looked up, smiling. “Tofu again? You must really love that dish.”
Lala clasped her hands dramatically. “You know it reminds me of my grandma. She used to make it every Sunday. The smell of sizzling garlic and the soft tofu soaking up all the sauce—it’s like a warm hug.”
Thuy closed her book and stood up. “Alright, for you, I’ll go. But only because you make the best braised tofu I’ve ever had.”
Lala beamed and handed her a small list. “Just tofu, mushrooms, and a bit of fresh ginger. And don’t forget the firm tofu—the soft one falls apart!”
Thuy slipped on her sandals and grabbed her basket. The market was bustling with noise, color, and tempting aromas. She weaved through the crowd, carefully choosing the freshest ingredients. She made sure the tofu was firm and fresh, just like Lala liked it.
When she returned, Lala was already prepping the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune. The two worked together—Thuy washing the vegetables while Lala sliced the tofu with practiced hands.
As the dish simmered, the aroma filled the house. The sauce thickened, rich with soy, ginger, and garlic, soaking into every corner of the golden tofu cubes.
Finally, they sat down to eat. Lala took a bite and closed her eyes.
“Perfect,” she whispered.
Thuy grinned. “It was worth the trip, wasn’t it?”
Lala nodded, her heart full. “Absolutely. It tastes just like home.”
