Read It Twice

Lena tied her apron at the long steel table. Around her, six other students did the same.

“Tonight, a simple soup,” the instructor said. “First, read the recipe twice. Then we cook.”

Lena read it twice. She picked up a knife and cut the carrots into small pieces. They went into a big bowl.

“Now heat the oil,” the instructor said. “Slowly. Don’t rush.”

Lena turned on the heat. The oil started to move in the pan. She added the carrots, then the water. The kitchen smelled warm and sweet.

“Taste it,” the instructor said.

Lena dipped a fork in, then a spoon. She tried it.

“It’s good,” she said, surprised. “It’s really good.”

“Of course,” the instructor said. “You read the recipe twice.”