Blue Hour

Chapter 7

After talking about the plans for the farm, Ray told the workers to go home and rest already. Everyone thanked him for his insights and also plans on how they can improve the situation of the farm. 

“Good job, Ray. You aced the meeting with your workers. I was expecting that you would back out and let me do it.” Miko said laughing. 

“Honestly, if I am in the city, I might have done that, but I don’t know. I feel comfortable with all the workers here. I know you noticed, but when I was in the city, I barely smiled, especially if it’s work related. But here on this farm, there is some force that is telling me to smile.” Ray said as he picked up the materials he used earlier. 

“Yes, and I am happy to see you like that. What contributes to the sudden change in your attitude was you, being away from the control of your father. You were so serious in life and wanted to prove everything for your Father. But now, since no one is holding your strings, you can do whatever you want now. That’s freedom, I guess.” Miko said, fixing the chairs. 

The two continued on fixing the venue where their employees gathered. After an hour, the two finished their work. 

“Even this, you could have asked the personnel to help you here, but you insisted on doing it alone.” Miko said and sat down at the table. 

“There are things I always wanted to try, and that includes physical work.” Ray said and laughed. The two continued on talking about random things, and did not notice the time. They also forgot about dinner, but luckily Austin called them. They headed to the kitchen. The smell of ginger filled their noses. 

“What’s for dinner, Cynthia?” Ray asked and moved closer to the table. 

“About that, I am not sure if you know this dish, but it’s called tinola. It’s a clear broth soup made from chicken. To make it tastier, there is ginger, garlic and raw papaya. Sit down, you too and eat. Oh, by the way, the ingredients are fresh because it all came from this farm. The ingredients are easy to get.” Cynthia said, smiling and picked up a bowl. She started filling it with the soup. 

Ray and Miko sat down on the table excitedly. 

“Honestly, I just heard about this tinola but I did not taste it because it sounds weird.” Ray said. 

“Me too, but I really wanted to try this. But since mom is a health freak, what we keep on eating are salads, and I am really tired of it.” Miko said, scratching his head.

“Well, you are lucky. Cynthia’s tinola is really awesome.” Austin said, laughing. 

“Now, now, let them eat Austin. Help me get some fruits at the shed.” Cynthia said and Austin hurriedly left the kid. After fixing the table, Cynthia placed the bowl of tinola in front of us and some rice. She also placed a smaller bowl with fish sauce, calamansi and a piece of chili pepper. Then she squeezed the calamansi and crushed the chili pepper. The scent of Tinola filled their noses, and made their mouths water. The two couldn't control their hunger and began to eat. 

“Wow, this is really good!:” The two exclaimed. Cynthia just kept on smiling as she saw the two eating happily. 

“This is really good, Cynthia. Thank you so much.” Ray said and kept on eating. After a few moments, the two emptied their bowls and they were already full. 

“I am glad that you like the food.” 

Miko raised his hand and gave Cynthia a thumbs up, “It was superb!” 

Cynthia cannot help but laugh at Miko’s reaction. Seeing what his friend did, Ray copied Miko’s action. He raised his thumb as well and smiled widely. 

“It was really good. We are looking for more yummy dishes from you.” 

They continued talking about a lot of things. It also ended with the two wanting to learn how to cook. Well, their lives at the farm are just at the beginning, and the two still had a lot to learn.