"What are you cooking? It smells good," Nani smiled walking into the house after a workday. She leaned over Pleakley who was stirring the hot contents in the pot. Sometimes her new family was so helpful – making meals, cleaning the house, taking care of Lilo.
"It's chili! I followed your mother's homemade recipe!" Pleakley exclaimed pointing to the old red cookbook that sat on the countertop. "Want to try some?"
Nani nodded. She always loved Mom's chili. After the tragic accident, Nani tried to replicate its classic taste, but could never seem to get it quite right. Maybe Mom had a secret ingredient that she didn't include on the recipe list.
"Close your eyes!" Pleakley smiled as he flickered his fingers.
Nani obeyed. He tried to scoop some chili onto the stirring implement he had found. It was originally hanging up right next to the stove. And, it had many holes, so the soupy part could easily drain through and back into the pot.
"Mmmm… A little meaty and beany, but just like Mom used to make! Thanks Plea-!" Nani stopped talking as she opened her eyes and immediately began gagging. "That's a flyswatter!"
"A flyswatter?" Pleakley asked.
Nani rinsed her mouth in the sink. "We use it to kill flies!"
"Why would you want to do that for!?" Pleakley defended as he hid the stirring implement behind his back. "And, why do you keep it in the kitchen?"
Nani raced to the bathroom to throw up; Pleakley held back her hair. Was that Mom's secret ingredient after all?