La cena cancelada

Early in the morning, Daniel began preparing a special meal for his friends. He put meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a large pot, added some spices, and left everything to cook slowly over low heat.

At midday, he received the first message: Marta could not come because her son was sick. Daniel replied that it was no problem and continued setting the table.

After that, Luis wrote that he had a lot of work and would come another day. A little later, Ana canceled because she was feeling unwell. Daniel looked at the pot and tasted the sauce. It smelled very good, but the house was completely empty.

At eight o’clock, there was only an hour left before dinner. Daniel received another message, this time from Pablo: he could not come either. “I’m really sorry,” it said.

Daniel put his phone on the table and looked at all the food. He had prepared enough for eight people. He thought about saving it for the next day, calling a neighbor, or going out to hand out plates around the neighborhood. Then he picked up his phone again and started writing a message.

Daniel wrote in the group chat: “Don’t worry. I have plenty of food. If anyone wants to come by and pick up a plate, they’re welcome.” Then he put down his phone and began filling several containers.

A few minutes later, Marta replied that she could not leave the house, but her husband could come by to pick up the food. Daniel smiled and prepared a serving for both of them. Then Luis said he was still working and might arrive later. Ana did not reply.

Daniel put the containers by the door and looked at the pot again. Dinner was still hot and smelled better and better. For the first time all afternoon, he did not feel completely alone.

Then the doorbell rang. It was Marta’s husband, with an empty bag in his hand. Daniel gave him the container, but the man looked at the pot with a smile.

“Did you really make food for eight people?”

Daniel laughed and said yes. Just then, he received a new message from Luis: “I’m leaving now. Is there still any food left?”

Daniel replied: “Yes, there’s still plenty. Come whenever you can.” Then he served another plate and put some bread on the table.

Half an hour later, Luis arrived, tired but smiling. He left his coat on a chair and sat down across from Daniel. As they ate, he told him he had finished work and was very sorry he had canceled earlier.

“It’s all right,” Daniel said. “The food was waiting.”

Then Ana wrote in the group chat. She was feeling better, but she could not leave the house. Daniel saved a serving for her and took it to her door later. He also left several containers for Marta and saved one for the next day.

In the end, Luis stayed for a while to have coffee. The table was not full, as Daniel had imagined, but it no longer looked empty. The food had served a purpose: some friends had eaten dinner together, others had received a plate, and Daniel had not had to eat alone. He turned off the stove, feeling satisfied, and saved the last serving for tomorrow.