The Seven Layered Magic
The door opened. A bell jingled. Claire entered, her wide eyes scanning the surroundings. She dreamily wandered to the counter like a child lost in a candy store. Men and women juggled behind the counter. Their aprons fluttered like capes. Letting go off the inner turmoil, she closed her eyes. Took a deep breath. The assorted aroma nuzzled her senses. Her eyes twinkled like stars as she pointed at the glass.
"Rice, both the beans, some fajitas to add to the crunch, a little of the soft and crunchy tofu," she paused.
Her fingers tapped at the glass pane like a pianist creating melodies.
"Let the hot sauce engulf everything. Top it off with sour cream, corn and lettuce." She watched the man’s hands work like lightning.
He chuckled. The spark extended to his miniature eyes. Her voice dazzled with love for burrito bowl. Her detailing was apt. It felt like she had done it a million times before. Like her life depended on it. She walked to a table in the corner and placed the bowl on it. Seated by the window, she gazed at the adjoining street. Pink blossoms lined the road like an intricately designed carpet. Sun rays seeped through the branches and fell on the window pane. She squinted and noticed a family enter the eatery. It was a little late after twelve. The eatery would soon become crowded. The room turned a tad warmer. Flames in the kitchen cast their spell.
She heard something. From within. It was loud and vivid. It was her heart growling.
Tears gushed down her cheeks. A few years back, after a family spat, she had moved out of her cosy home. She dropped out of college, took a job at the eatery. Having lived a life with zero hardships, getting accustomed to the life of a waitress was an uphill task. But it was all she had. One of the chefs, Larry had helped her along the way. Wanting to make some supplemental income, she learned the art of chopping. It was scary at first. The thought of the knife slitting her palm and blood forming a pool had given her nightmares. But time and practice changed her perspective. The ball peppers, tofu and the buttery lettuce turned into her confidants. The knives and the huge cauldrons injected her with courage. The sight of hungry customers filled her with infinite hope. She floated in the sea of spices. Eventually, she found her footing and drifted through law college while juggling as a waitress.
A fragrance that reminded her of the sea brought her back to the present. She dipped the spoon in the bowl and felt the flavours explode in her mouth. The greens crushed between her teeth. The cream glided in her mouth. Her taste buds trembled at the touch of the sauce. A content sigh escaped her lips.
Rubbing her hand on the baby bump, she whispered, "This place helped me rediscover myself. We are home, baby."
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