[It made sense that the parties wouldn't be all the time. That would get old after a while. Not to mention how complicated it would be to just have parties whenever.]

That sounds great. I can't wait!

[Mari is smiling happily, clearly pleased to be talking about cooking.]

That's admirable! But I'm not sure I have that kind of ambition. [A soft laugh.] Maybe it's because of the way my parents taught me, but I usually just try to make sure that the meals I make are balanced.

[Not that that other way didn't sound like fun, but...]

Of course! If you really want to learn, I'd love to teach you. Cooking is one of those things that's easy to learn, but somewhat difficult to master.

[She's tilting her head curiously now.]

Have you made anything before?