The Last Goodbye

Chapter 8

Felix Nora, along with his parents Josephine and Henry, were seated around the kitchen table, enjoying the warm glow of the evening sun and looking forward to the rich sweets that were ahead of them. The delectable aroma of freshly cooked cherry pie and rich fruit cake filled the air, providing an irresistible temptation for their taste senses.

The golden crust and ruby-red contents of the cherry pie appealed to Felix as he observed the precisely sliced wedges spread out on a lovely porcelain plate. Its sweet smell mixed with the faint perfume of cinnamon, creating a harmonic symphony of flavors that promised to thrill their senses.

The fruit cake was a culinary masterwork that was positioned next to the cherry pie. Its rich texture is studded with colorful bits of dried fruits and nuts, all soaked in a delectable blend of rum and spices. The glittering dusting of powdered sugar on top gave a beautiful touch, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Josephine couldn't help but sigh contentedly as they sank into their seats. "Isn't this cherry pie divine, Henry? I can hardly wait to get started!" Her voice was full of excitement and expectation, and her eyes twinkled with delight.

Henry agreed with a cheeky smirk on his lips. "Indeed, my dear. But don't forget the fruit cake. It's been aging for months, and I have a feeling it's going to be simply beautiful."

Felix, unable to conceal his excitement, spoke forward. "I can't decide which one to try first!" They both look delectable. Perhaps we might try a little bit of everything?"

Josephine chuckled as she reached for the utensils. "Why not, Felix? After all, this is a momentous occasion. Let us enjoy ourselves."

Josephine cut a substantial slice of cherry pie with fine accuracy, the crimson filling pouring out as she placed it on Felix's plate. The flaky crust cracked beneath her touch, a tribute to its buttery richness.

Henry, on the other hand, carved a piece of the fruit cake with care, the knife flowing effortlessly between the soft layers. As the cake was exposed, the perfume of rum-infused fruits grew stronger, promising a symphony of tastes with each bite.

A chorus of pleased whispers filled the room as they took their first bites. The acidic taste of the cherries was perfectly tempered by the buttery crust in the cherry pie. Meanwhile, the fruit cake pleased their senses with a mix of textures and flavors, with chewy dried fruits and crunchy almonds complementing the moist cake base.

They exchanged joyful glances and approving nods between mouthfuls, their satisfaction clear in their expressions. The discussion flowed smoothly, interspersed by exclamations of culinary ecstasy and requests for second helpings.

As the last crumbs were gobbled and the plates were cleared, Felix Nora and his parents relished the lingering flavors, their dessert experience creating a treasured memory to be shared for years to come.

Josephine's eyes brightened with excitement as she took her first piece of Nora's cherry pie. She couldn't stop praising Nora as the flavors danced in her mouth. "Nora, this cherry pie is divine. Not too sweet, just the appropriate amount of sweetness. The crust is flaky and buttery, and the cherries are just the right amount of acidic. It's a symphony of flavors!"

Nora blushed, a mixture of pride and humility showing in her eyes. "Thank you very much, Josephine. It's my mother's special recipe. She taught me the recipe when I was a little girl. I'm delighted you enjoy it."

Nora savored another forkful of cherry pie while the talk proceeded. The crust cracked beautifully beneath her fork, exposing the delectable, ruby-red contents. Each bite was the ideal combination of sweet and tangy, with the cherries exploding with juicy flavor. The flavors blended beautifully, resulting in a dessert that was truly a work of art.