Can I Cook For You?

Lockdown came with so many changes, even at workplaces. Where I was working, salaries were not touched, but meals were cut off the budget.

Most times I packed something to eat from home. Food in the middle of Kampala is quite expensive and the portions are laughable.

One afternoon at work, I got a phone call from Byron. He asked if he could cook for me. I said it was okay. Hanging up, I was dazed. Knowing that we nolonger had lunch at work, he was offering to cook for me. How remarkably thoughtful of him!

Byron was a very close friend. We were in the same year at campus. The two of us had become nearly inseparable over the years. Many people; including lecturers, rumoured us to be dating. However, our relationship was completely platonic. My friends often told me that I loved Byron, but just did not know it yet. This puzzled me of course. How could I love someone and not even know it? How was that even possible?

Later that evening, I walked back home. Instead of going to his place directly, I passed by my place first. Mainly to relax and change my shoes into a more comfortable pair. At about 8:00pm, I arrived at Byron’s place. He stayed in the same neighborhood as I.

I felt so bad when I realized that he had not eaten at all until when I showed up. I asked why he had not eaten without me and he replied that he just couldn’t. I felt guilty; had I known he was waiting, I would have arrived sooner.

Byron had cooked for me before, though not after work. The first time he cooked for me was a disaster, but it was fun to watch. I had gone to tutor him in Political Science. I remember him telling me not to mind his cooking, and that his mom would cook me better food if I ever went to Rwanda.

That night as we ate, I could not believe the improvement. The food was extremely delicious. This meal was far better than I could have prepared it. I inquired whether he had cooked the food himself and he answered in the affirmative. Impressive. Frankly, I found it a bit unsettling that he was becoming a better cook than me in just a short time.

Sharing this meal with Byron was quite special. I was impressed with him taking the initiative. I truly appreciated the effort.

I recall the time I told him I was leaving my boyfriend because he was constantly hurting me. His reaction and facial expression told me that he was hurting because I was in pain. Even when it was obvious that there was nothing he could do about it, he looked at me pitifully and asked in the kindest voice, “What can I do?”

Byron was the sweetest soul ever. He was kind, thoughtful and gentle with me. He was everything and more that I could ever have asked for.

The End.

Disclaimer: All the names that feature in these stories are fictitious. They were made up to protect the identity and privacy of those involved.

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