"As soon as I can save up, I'll get a big cast-iron pot made," he says, laughing and feeling the release of it in his chest. Like breathing in for the first time after struggling to surface from beneath a murky lake.

Her nose wrinkling up just makes him laugh harder. "I remember having to teach you all the basics. Don't worry, I'm sure we can work something out. Maybe if you help me pound powdered sugar I can trade you by doing your laundry."