Kira gave a grateful nod to Baba Razz and made her way to the door he had pointed to. When she reached, she opened the bathroom door, stepped inside and closed it behind her.
The space was small but functional. It had the necessary things a bathroom should have despite it being small, and it was also stocked with basic toiletries, which Kira was grateful for.
It was like Baba Razz had already prepared everything she would need before she even arrived.
“I wonder what he is,” Kira whispered to herself as she set her belongings down, getting ready to shower.
After a few minutes, she was done. She reached for her towel where she hung it, cleaned her body, wore her fresh clothes, and then hung the towel back; her sponge already hung too.
As she stepped out of the bathroom, a delicious, savory aroma filled her nostrils. She could perceive the scent of roasted meat, simmering spices and freshly baked bread.
The scent was unmistakably inviting, and her stomach rumbled softly in response to it. Whatever Baba Razz was making smelled heavenly.
Walking into the living room, Kira spotted Baba Razz in the small kitchen-dining area and walked toward him.
The wooden dining table was simple, clean, and set. Two bowls were already placed, along with cutlery, a jug of water, and two glasses.
“Can I help with anything?” Kira asked, stepping closer to the counter, where the bubbling pot was on the fire.
Baba Razz, who was stirring something thick and fragrant, waved his hand dismissively and chuckled. “Not to worry, dear. I am already done. Sit.” He gestured toward the table with a warm smile.
Kira did as she was told, and as soon as she sat down, Baba Razz lifted the heavy pot and carefully ladled a portion into each of their bowls.
The aroma instantly made Kira’s stomach rumble again.
The dish was a steaming bowl of thick spiced lamb stew with chunks of tender meat, simmered vegetables, and a thick broth rich with herbs.
Alongside it, he served a freshly baked barley bread, its crust golden brown and slightly crisp, and it gave off a slightly nutty scent. The meal was also accompanied by a small dish of soft cheese, and Kira wondered how he was able to make everything before she finished showering.
After Baba Razz was done serving the food, he poured water into their glasses and set the jug down. “Dig in,” he said, settling into his seat. “I do hope I am still a great cook. I haven’t cooked for anyone in a long time.”
“It’s an honor then,” Kira said with a smile and carefully took a bite, the delicious rich flavors sending so much deliciousness to her stomach, heart, and even to every part of her body.
The stew was perfectly seasoned, and the meat perfectly tender.
Quickly, she took another bite.
“This is really good,” She said between bites. “Mmm, very delicious.”
“Really?” Baba Razz, who had been watching her reaction closely, asked with a grin. “You are not just saying that to make me happy, are you?”
“Of course not,” Kira shook her head, tearing off a piece of warm bread and dipping it into the broth. “This is how it’s eaten, right? It’s really good. Thank you for making this.”
“Do eat well,” Baba Razz said with a wide grin, feeling happy as he watched her enjoy the meal he cooked.
Finally, he picked up his spoon and dug in too, nodding and complimenting himself on how good it actually was.
Both of them took their last bites at the same time in comfortable silence, and as they emptied their bowls, they leaned back slightly, feeling full and satisfied.
Kira placed her spoon down and wiped her mouth with a napkin, looking at Baba Razz, who sighed satisfyingly.
She chuckled softly and reached for her bowl, stacking it with his empty bowl.
“Leave it, dear. I’ll do it,” Baba Razz said before she could even lift them, waving his hand at her to stop.
“No, please,” Kira refused, already on her feet. “I can’t possibly let you do the dishes.” And before he could try to stop her, she picked up the bowls, placed the cutlery inside, and carried them to the small sink.
Dropping them into the sink, she spotted a small bottle of table cleaner near the sink, picked it up, then returned to the dining table and cleaned it. After that, she returned to the sink and did the dishes.
It was easy for her to figure out where to place the bowls and cutlery, and without asking, she stacked the clean bowls neatly in a cupboard and placed the cutlery in a small drawer after she was done washing them.
After putting the plates and cutlery away, Kira noticed the two glasses and the jug, which were still on the dining table.
“I do love your small cabin,” she said out of the blue to Baba Razz as she picked up the jug first and poured out the remaining water into the sink before rinsing it.
“It’s small but has everything one needs-neat, well-kept and homely,” she complimented him as she went on to rinse the two glasses, then dried them and the jug before carefully setting them beside the bowls in the cupboard.
Glancing at the cooking pot still sitting on the stove, she wanted to wash that too but noticed there were still leftovers, which could be enough for another meal, and so she left it.
Now done with cleaning, Kira dried her hands with a towel and turned around to see that Baba Razz had been watching her all along.
“You are a stubborn one,” he said, finally breaking the silence.
“I know,” Kira agreed, turning and walking to the living room. “I’ve been told that many times, and I loved hearing it from them,” she added, her voice quieter now.
“Who?” Baba Razzed asked curiously, picking up what she had said as he followed her into the living room, even though he already knew what she was talking about.
“It’s nothing,” she said and gave him a small smile, not wanting to seem rude. “Thank you for the food, Baba Razz, and thank you again for letting me stay here.”
“No problem at all. I am happy you ate well, and I am happy to have you here as well,” he said, not pressing her further on the other matter. “You must be tired now. You can take the bedroom. I’ll sleep here in the living room.”
“Oh, no, I can’t. The living room is just fine for me,” Kira said, politely declining. “Plus, I will only be here for some days before I leave. So, this is fine.”
“Hmm. Alright then,” Baba Razz said, giving in. “But hold on. Let me get something for you.”