Photo by Marek Mucha on Unsplash

The thing about our friendship is we could be playing games, driving down the back roads, or simply watching the clouds go by.

However, when we go shopping, I know it will lead to my favorite thing that we do together.

I enjoy walking through the grocery store with you and pointing out all the food we should buy.

Let’s make lasagna or homemade pizza. We could even make some Rice Krispies treats then put chocolate frosting on top.

“Is that our plan for the night?” you ask.

A smile spreads across my face, and a quick nod lets you know we will be in the kitchen tonight.

The kitchen is our zone.

You are the artist…

whether it is cooking, baking, barbecuing, or just whipping something up. I love watching you create deliciousness out of random ingredients.

I am the helper…

I cut, slice, knead, and wash the dishes.

It is when we are working together that we tell each other about our day. We are not only cooking. We are doing therapy.

Our nights in the kitchen are when we discover ourselves.

— Nicole Barden 4/30/2021

Originally published in Illumination on Medium