Lilium canadense

Chapter 24: Good-bye

Seeing both Bakugo and my dad at the stove moving in unison made me smile, watching as my dad taught the kid some of his most secret tricks to add spice to a whole new level.

" Now remember kid, spice doesn't mean it has to be hot. I know you made a lighter flavored dish your first night, but here is a trick to make it hot but flavorful so those who have sensitive pallets can enjoy the main meal and you don't have to make extra." My dad said as he grabbed some more spices from the cabinet. " In small doses I'm talking a pinch you can use cinnamon and nutmeg. It will help heighten the flavor of your hotter items. Say you use chiles and black peppercorns, it will add to their heat. Also, I can give you a jar of my special hot sauce you can add to yours. Remember when you cook for a group you are cooking to taste. If you can taste it and it feels light to you, have someone with a softer palette come in and taste." My dad explained.

" So... say for example I make my curry again, make a lighter batch as a whole then me and Ko make it to our tastes?" He asked my dad.

" Bingo. And it doesn't have to be as bland as that batch was, it can be flavorful. Just have someone with a different palette than you and Kaori here." My dad said and the blond nodded. " Take a taste then tell me what you think." My dad said and I watched as Bakugo took a spoon and scooped up what looked like my dad's homemade chili. I watched in amusement as Bakugo's eyes widened.

" Teaching him your tricks dad?" I asked making Bakugo jump.

" Not tricks Lily. Helpful hints. Food is meant to be shared and enjoyed." My dad said and I nodded, walking over and taking a bite of my own.

" Add a dash of cumin and some chili flakes then it will be finished." I said, smirking. 

" How did you do that?" Bakugo asked.

" Kid, I grew up making this chili with my dad. Hell one year my mom and I had him get into a chili cook off and won not because of the heat but because of how enjoyable it was." I said and my dad scratched the back of his neck. Flashing them a small smile I went out back and sat down on my childhood swing set, and just like 3 weeks ago my phone buzzed in my pocket.

" Hello?" I asked answering my phone not really paying attention to the caller ID.

" Hey Darlin..." Tashiro's voice greeted me softly, making me smile. " Sorry for basically being MIA all month."

" Don't worry about it. Aizawa kinda started telling me things... I bet you two were on the same mission, rescuing a little girl?" I asked and he hummed. " Is she okay?"

" In the hospital... she's not really talking to anybody, is afraid of anyone who walks into her hospital room. Other than that, how have you been?" He asked and I chuckled.

" I've..." I paused, then looked up at the sky, as I felt a cold shiver on my left side. " I'm better. I um... I got to see my son..." I whispered somewhat praying that he didn't hear the second part.

" I didn't know you had a kid." He said and I felt guilt pooled in my stomach.

" Nixie Grace! Dinner!" My mom called.

" I'll tell you more about it when I come back in a few days... I love you Tai..." I muttered.

" Okay... I love you too, please be safe." He said and I hummed in response before hanging up.

" I'm so stupid." I muttered getting up and going inside quietly getting myself a serving. Taking my normal spot on the floor, I ate my food and nibbled on my lip as the kids chatted with my parents, feeling nausea run up my throat just practically threw my plate then ran into the downstairs bathroom spilling my guts.