Tape of Shadows

Chapter 3: Unexpected Encounters

The next morning, I awoke to the sound of Jennifer's voice calling out my name. "Hey, Rayan! Wake up! It's already 12 PM!" Her words jolted me into action, and I hastily jumped out of bed, reaching for my phone to check the time. To my surprise, it was already 12:10 PM. Panic surged through me momentarily, as I thought I had overslept and was running late for university. But then, a wave of relief washed over me as I remembered that the university was set to open on Monday, and today was only Saturday.

Calming down, I stepped out of my room and headed towards the kitchen, intending to cook some food for myself. It was a relief to know that I didn't have to rely on unfamiliar dishes, given my background in a different country. As I entered the kitchen, I found Jennifer washing dishes, and without hesitation, I joined her, helping to organize and arrange the plates and utensils.

She looked at me kindly and said, "You don't have to do this. I can manage on my own. Why don't you get yourself something to eat? Aren't you hungry?" I glanced at the table and noticed a steak and bun sitting there. Curiosity piqued, I asked Jennifer about the meat. Her response left me taken aback. "Oh, that's a pig steak. I made an extra one for you."

Politely, I replied, "I'm really sorry, but I can't eat pork. It's against my dietary restrictions. I'll cook something for myself instead." I sensed a hint of confusion in her expression, but she quickly reassured me, saying it was okay. She gave me permission to use the kitchen freely, with the condition that I clean up after myself. With a nod, she left the kitchen, expressing gratitude for my previous assistance.

Now alone, I began the task of cooking my meal, grateful to have the opportunity to prepare something that suited my dietary preferences. The act of cooking brought a sense of familiarity and comfort, a taste of home even in this foreign land. I focused on the task at hand, ensuring that I used the kitchen resources respectfully and diligently.

As the aroma of the freshly cooked meal filled the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This simple act of preparing my own food symbolized my independence and resilience in this new phase of life. With a plate of warm, homemade food in front of me, I savored each bite, appreciating the freedom to nourish myself according to my own beliefs and preferences.

In the midst of this solitude, I couldn't help but wonder about Jennifer. Her presence in the house held an air of mystery, and I wondered what her story was, what secrets she might hold. For now, however, I focused on the present moment, enjoying my meal and embracing the sense of self-sufficiency that this new chapter had brought into my life.