The hand mirrors proved popular and soon, Lion was busy once again.
I kept myself occupied by designing new things in my room during my free time, though I sometimes worked in Lion's workroom.
He gave me a desk and a chair to use and would nuzzle me every now and then. He craved attention whenever I got too absorbed in my work, so I would sometimes embrace him from behind.
He always looked so cheerful when I did. I've realized now how much he loves physical touch.
Whenever I don't give him enough attention, his tail caresses my face as a gentle reminder.
One night, while I was designing in my room, since Lion was busy with his regular work, I suddenly remembered that Ghost and I hadn't made condiments yet.
I went to the garden to pick various fruits, pausing to stroke Pinky on the branches.
He is getting quite tall and has been a bit lethargic lately.
Lion explained that Pinky is nearly mature and that the process takes a heavy toll on his energy.
Pinky has been staying in my room less often, preferring the garden so he can gather the sunlight and moonlight needed for his growth.
Since I wasn't used to sleeping alone, I spent most nights in Lion's workroom while he worked.
He gave me a cloud-like bed and sometimes, when I was half-awake, I could feel him dozing beside me.
...
After saying goodbye to Pinky, I headed to the kitchen.
I found Orm and Ghost waiting for me. I showed Orm one of my inventions which is a machine that squeezes fruit and collects the liquid underneath.
You can put a large variety of fruits inside to create all sorts of combinations. Best of all, it isn't limited to fruit, you can add herbs and other edible vegetation as well.
Orm looked intrigued. Ghost was quite excited and nagged Orm to hurry up and materialize the design.
He didn't really need to, as Orm was already deep in thought, pressured by his own curiosity.
After a few minutes, Orm's face lit up with an "Aha!" and he used his magic to materialize the machine.
Voila!
Our new mixer-squeezer. Orm left for a few minutes and returned carrying a large sack filled with all sorts of herbs and plants.
It was time to get started.
.....
We had several errors... to be exact, many errors.. in mixing flavors.
Orm, Ghost and I took turns running to the bathroom to puke our guts out.
It was horrible.
Orm turned a shade of green and spent quite a while in the bathroom. Ghost fainted after tasting one with a particularly weird smell. I wobbled after tasting a metallic flavor that Orm had to hold me steady while I squeezed my eyes shut because the room looked like it was decorated with glitters.
We had a long way to go.
After much trial and error, we managed to create a few combinations that tasted similar to what we have on Earth.
We made salt, pepper, sugar and a spice powder that became one of Orm's favorites.
There was also a garlicky powder that made Ghost sneeze the first time he smelled it, along with ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar and mayonnaise, which became Ghost and Orm's absolute favorite.
Afterward, Orm selected a few leaves he told me were edible.
I tasted them first to see if they were better cooked or raw.
They were perfect for eating raw, which gave me a great idea.
As I worked, Orm and Ghost became impatient. I had to threaten to stop before they finally quieted down, observing me with fascination.
When I finally finished, I showed them the result.
They looked at it with wonder and asked what it was.
I grinned and told them that it's kimchi.
They tasted it and soon it was all gone. They loved it so much they begged for more, so I ended up making several huge jars of it.
Sly walked in just as I finished the last jar.
Perfect timing.
I told him to get some meat and he hurriedly fetched some from his room. I then showed Orm the frying pan I had designed, along with some plates.
He happily obliged, curious to see what I would do next.
......
Sly brought back a lot of meat, which made both Orm and Ghost look a bit disgusted. I turned on the stove and realized too late that I hadn't made any oil yet.
Fortunately, the meat Sly brought was fatty and soon, it began to sizzle in the pan.
I added salt and pepper and the smell made everyone salivate.
Sly showered me with nonsense compliments while Orm and Ghost watched with interest.
Once the meat was cooked, I placed it on a plate, warning Sly it was still hot.
He waited patiently, drooling.
Orm and Ghost got hungry again and devoured a jar of kimchi each.
Lion suddenly appeared, glancing at everyone who seemed far too preoccupied with their food.
I gave Lion his share of meat and kimchi and told him to eat them together.
He took a small bite, chewed for a moment, and then stopped, looking at me with amazement.
Soon, everyone was busy eating.
I had to cook another batch of fried meat because Sly and Lion pleaded for more. I happily obliged, enjoying this "family" time.
......
While I was cooking, I felt a wave of nostalgia. I remembered my time on Earth, cooking for my parents and sister.
I wondered what happened to them and if they were looking for me.
I've always loved cooking. I never saw it as a chore.
Perhaps it is my love language.
I remembered the guys I had dated when I was younger, who never even thanked me when I cooked for them. They would eat everything and ask for seconds, but they never offered to help clean or gave a single compliment.
I looked at my new "family" and smiled, even though my heart ached a little. I prayed that this peace and happiness would last.
But I was mistaken.