Eight teens. Eight hidden battles. One journey that could change everything.
They thought a quiet village would bring peace. But healing isn't quiet-and neither are they.
Between laughter and panic attacks, late-night confessions and unexpected bond...
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Chapter 8 – First Local Dinner
Narrator: Alexander
The day ended in a haze of happy exhaustion. The tents were finally set up, the first project ideas laid out, and even a rough plan for the village festival was sketched. But now came the moment I both dreaded and secretly anticipated: the local dinner.
"Alexander, you're going to like it... or not," Maya murmured with a laugh. "I think you're going to be surprised."
"Ah... thanks for the warning," I replied, clasping my hands lightly. I always preferred to know what to expect... especially when it came to food.
Long wooden tables groaned under the weight of steaming, colorful dishes—curries fragrant with golden spices, shiny stir-fried vegetables, fragrant rice, and sauces in bright hues I couldn't identify. The aroma pricked my nose and quickened my heartbeat. Each scent was strong, unexpected, and strangely alluring.
"You have to try this!" Elena said, offering me a plate piled with bright orange curry.
"Uh... I'll just take... a small piece," I murmured, trying to control my portion.
Emma, ever enthusiastic, dove fork-first into almost every dish, laughing when Liam grimaced at the spices. Sophia, curious, wanted to photograph everything before tasting, while Aiden approached cautiously, calculating each move like a strategic game.
"Alexander, try this!" Maya insisted. "It's chicken and vegetables with mild chili... at least, I hope it's mild."
"All right... just one bite," I told myself. "Breathe, analyze, control."
The bite of curry melted on my tongue—and then a gentle fire spread across my palate. I nearly coughed trying to keep my composure, while Maya burst out laughing beside me.
"Alexander! You look like a volcano erupting!" she exclaimed.
"Very funny," I muttered, fighting tears that were threatening to spill.
Emma tilted her head, ever the helpful one: "Oh! You know, you can just add a little rice; it cools the heat."
I nodded, appreciating the advice, but couldn't help smiling inwardly. Even trying to stay calm, I realized I was at the mercy of these bold local flavors.
"I think... I could get used to this," I murmured. "But I'll need to take a deep breath before another bite."
The flavor exploded—strong, spicy, yet delicious. A bead of sweat formed on my forehead.
"Wow... it's... surprising," I whispered.
"See!" Maya beamed. "You've never tasted anything like this before, huh?"
Liam chuckled softly. "I think you just lost your composure..."
Sophia observed the scene, amused, jotting in her notebook: "Alexander, master of control, brought to his knees by a simple curry." Emma laughed and added, "Seriously, Alexander, you should write a guide on 'How to Stay Composed When Facing Spicy Food'!"
