If you could choose to dine at home instead of at the school canteen, would you say yes? Most of the YYHSers might. Not me. My mother’s culinary skills are terrible.

Mother is a health-conscious lady. In order to make her meals wholesome enough, she avoids condiments in her cooking except for salt and a bit of oil. All the ingredients in the world, be they cauliflower or cucumber, would end up with the same bland taste in her hands. I have told Mother, time and again, that her meals are not to my liking, but the stubborn family chef doesn’t care a bit. She still goes about the family dishes in her “healthy” way, with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of oil. I cannot stand it!

Day student as I am, I am able to eat only breakfast at home due to anti-pandemic rules and restrictions. Lunch and supper are served at the school canteen. Compared with Mother’s cuisine, canteen fare—rich in flavour and coming in a great variety—is more than a welcome change. It is a delicacy.

One morning I was roused by weird noises. I pried open my eyes to check the alarm clock, squinting at the glowing numbers. It was 5.30! It was still pitch dark. Who in the world was making the noises out there at such an early hour? Sleep time is precious for me. I flew into such a fit of rage that I shot out of bed and threw open the door to investigate.

The light in the kitchen was on. At the counter stood a woman making breakfast. It was none other than Mum. She had got up before everyone else in the house to prepare breakfast exclusively for me. The other family members were still in bed. Tears misted my eyes.

Breakfasting at home these days, I think the meal is the best under the sun despite its flat taste.