English Version: Sands & Sparrow

29

Food was the only thing that brought Aveline comfort. For her, food was love, transcending race or gender; it was the one thing on Earth that felt like a gift from heaven. Aveline stood patiently beside her counter, awaiting the arrival of her teacher. Always punctual, she never missed a class and was always eager to learn.

The chef, a Frenchwoman with a slim figure and gray eyes, entered the room. Their teacher owned a chain of successful restaurants across the country. "Okay, class... roll up your sleeves and let's begin!" she exclaimed with enthusiasm. Her voice carried a slight French accent, yet she was fluent in both English and Tagalog. With freckles adorning her face and a seldom-seen smile, she had a warm personality that was a bit intimidating but far from being snobbish.

Mrs. Poulain was a serious teacher and a passionate chef. At her command, six female students rolled up their sleeves; they all donned the traditional white chef's uniform, including the toque blanche, or chef's hat. Each student had her own space equipped with a kitchen sink and various ingredients.

"Today, you will create a dish that defines you. A type of food that you will make with love!" the teacher proclaimed, waving her hand as she spoke.

Mrs. Poulain then walked around the room to inspect their dishes, prompting the students to spring into action and work their magic.

The rhythmic sound of chopping boards filled the room as students picked up their knives and sliced vegetables, meat, and fruits into perfect shapes. The lively whirring of the grinder, as it grated vegetables and cheese, was music to everyone's ears. The synchronized rhythm of eggs being beaten in bowls harmonized with the twirling and mixing motions of the students.

These sounds brought joy to Aveline's ears, resonating like a melody for her soul. She chose to make a soup, imbuing the preparation with special meaning. First, she washed a fresh tomato, letting the running water glide over its sleek surface, the smooth, silky texture caressing her palm. The luscious juice of the tomato squirted as she sliced it, its raw beauty seductive and enthralling, like nectar hidden within sweetness.

The sizzling of the frying pan joined the pleasant symphony of wooden boards, with the aroma of cooking food permeating the air. Chopping boards, knives, grinders, mixers, pots, and pans together created an orchestrated harmony.

"Cooking is child's play for all of us when done with care... it portrays love!" Mrs. Poulain remarked as she walked down the aisle, observing her students. "Cut the beef lengthwise... it will simmer better," she instructed one student with a snap of her fingers.

"Add a little more cinnamon to the pan," she suggested upon noticing a student's Mediterranean dish. Pork, potatoes, and onions were neatly halved and arranged on the counter. "Less salt... use butter instead," she advised, handing over the ingredient.

"Aveline, try to stir the pan and reduce the flame," Mrs. Poulain said, bending down to check the stove.

As Aveline cooked, her world transformed, opening a new chapter in her life with each measure of condiments laid before her. The fragrance in the air filled her soul with joy. The scent of butter in the pan and the heavenly aroma of roasted chicken enveloped her senses. A whiff of cinnamon and the sweetness of vanilla sent tingles through her nerves.

The rich aroma of the dish was akin to music, serenading the olfactory senses. Aveline's eyes widened in amazement as she watched a classmate prepare a pizza. She was captivated by the delightful sensation of cheese being sprinkled in the perfect amount, harmonized with salt and pepperoni. The soft and warm mozzarella blended seamlessly with the sublime texture of the bread, a testament to the artistry of cooking.

Aveline shifted her focus back to her dish, beginning to peel the onions. As she removed layer after layer, the juice stung her eyes. Chopping it into thin slices, the scent climbed into her nostrils. Tears threatened to fall, but she ignored them.