Out in the open.

“Why don’t we all just eat out in the open, it’s such a beautiful day.”

The others agreed and according to Oz’s instructions helped to bring out the necessary things. The large wooden table outside quickly got decorated with plates, pots, cutlery and glasses. As this table was a bit more narrow than the one inside, everyone was sitting opposite to someone else. Maria sat next to Josefina and Juan at the other end of the table. Opposite to them was Oz and Margarita with Marquez at the end of the table.

The family interlinked their hands again for a prayer while Oz patiently waited for them to finish, then soup was served.

After everyone had eaten a bowl of soup, Oz was very much pleased with the taste of it. He had not eaten a simple vegetable soup with this much intensity of taste before:

“Maria this soup is delicious. Not as delicious as your nape and neck, but still very, very good.” Oz said boldly. Maria however, remembering what he meant by tasting her nape grew bright red. His kisses from earlier this morning seemed to have left a lingering sensation on her body. Juan just laughed at how easily his wife is pleased by a few nice words.

Maria served the fried rice next so she could disperse any thoughts quickly. She put Oz the same portion size as for Juan and he quickly said:

“No, Maria, give master Oz more. He save you today.” And slightly tapped her on the back. Another large spoonful was given to Oz who gladly accepted it.

As they were eating, Oz realised that there were bits of bacon in the rice too which helped to give the whole dish more flavour. Once he took a large mouthful, he looked up at Maria who was staring at her own plate slowly eating away, while Juan was sometimes busy making the smallest child eat properly.