The Smell of Fish

My eyes ache. I’ll never get the smell of frying fish out of my best apron. I bought up every last jar of pepper in this town and the next one over. And when I said that to the Maestro, what did they do? Smiled that beatific smile, clapped me on the back, and asked, “Same time next year?” For Heaven’s sake, I must be mad, but of course I’ll be back next year! And I’m bringing reinforcements. Kartik makes the finest fish curry, and I hope he won’t mind a stranger waltzing into his kitchen.