Food Therapy – Epilogue

"I just got a call from the Michelin Guide…we've just got our third Michelin star."

There was an overwhelming explosion of applause and caterwauling as the staff of Ristorante Martini, dining and kitchen alike rose from their seats and cheered upon hearing the fantastic news from their executive chef. Amidst the 4 years where the restaurant had been opened, this was undeniably the best news ever received during a monthly staff debrief.

Zack Martin beamed happily at his exuberant staff. Martini has truly reached the pinnacle of public and critical appreciation.

Trotting up happily to her boss slash fiancée, Maya Bennett, maître d' of Ristorante Martini, stood on her toes and pecked Zack on the cheek.

"Congratulations honey."

Zack returned the gesture.

"Thanks sweetie."

Maya then closed in and whispered in Zack's ear.

"Are you still going to the place later?"

"Yes, I've already made plans with Cody. You don't mind, do you? It's quite an important day and I felt it would be best if we went on…"

"Of course, I totally understand. I'll see you later when we you get back?"

"Sure, thanks sweetie. Love you."

The staff was dismissed for the day, still cheering and whooping as they went out the door. Every single staff member, having felt like part of the large extended family of Martini, was enthusiastic at its current and future prospects. Zack smiled as he realized how he had succeeded in bringing the restaurant team close and connected together.

With light footsteps he walked back into the kitchen and removed his Chef Whites, replacing them with his coat. Switching off all the lights and locking the doors, Zack strode out of the kitchen back door and walked towards his car.

The celebratory champagne was poured into small glasses, invoking hooting and applause from the hotel staff that had gathered in the lobby for the special announcement. Mr Moseby was the first to pick up his glass, and upon everyone's collection of their own glasses, he raised it and cleared his throat to prepare for a toast.

"To the further success of Cibo la Therapia, its chef Cody Martin, and its future second Michelin star!"

The staff cheered and downed the contents of their glasses. Cody grinned appreciatively through all the applause and turned to the restaurant staff.

"This feat couldn't have been possible without you guys, thank you very much for your fantastic work."

The restaurant staff smiled jubilantly, pleased at Therapia's success and Cody's praise. Their boss, despite being significantly more mellow than other chefs in the business, brought along an infectious love for food and a team-binding leadership which they had all grown fond of. Esteban, the restaurant manager, took a step forward and addressed his boss directly.

"I believe I speak for everyone here, Chef, when I say that it was your wonderful leadership and incredible cooking ability that had brought all of us together and made the restaurant successful. Thank you for your hard work."

The restaurant staff collectively applauded and cheered, smiling at the appreciative expression on Cody's face.

Suddenly, the phone in Cody's pocket began to beep. Withdrawing it, he read the message and quickly turned to Mr Moseby.

"Mr Moseby, I need to leave now for the thing we discussed. Zack's already waiting for me outside the hotel."

"I understand. Go right ahead, I'll dismiss your staff for you."

"Thanks, Mr Moseby."

Shouting goodbye to everyone in the hotel lobby, Cody buttoned up his jacket and raced out of the Boston Tipton to see Zack's black Toyata sitting beside the curb, waiting for him.

"Fantastic weather we're having. Isn't that right, mom and dad?"

The weather was indeed fantastic. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and a gentle breeze made it way around the numerous gravestones that gently adorned the ground, which was covered with a thin sheet of white snow, freshly fallen from the night before. At this point a very light shower of snowflakes was still falling. It was slightly chilly, but the two visitors felt perfectly warm wrapped in their jackets.

"We've brought good news. Zack here," Cody prodded his brother standing beside him with his thumb and grinned. "Now owns a restaurant with three Michelin stars."

"And Cody," Zack then jabbed his brother's side to get back at the unnecessary prod earlier. "Just got his first."

"I'm going to catch up, eventually."

"Oh, you wish."

The two brothers gave each other mock threatening growls before allowing them to melt into laughter. The portraits of Carey Martin and Kurt Martin smiled warmly at their two children as snowflakes, each different in shape, size and flavor, fell from the sky as a shower of memories and nostalgia.

"These are for you."

Zack placed the bouquet of flowers he had brought at his mother's grave, while Cody did likewise for his father. Stroking the top of the gravestone affectionately, Zack removed a tiny package from his jacket pocket. The box was pink and tied with a silvery white ribbon. Holding it out in front of his mother's engraved portrait, Zack smiled.

"Happy Birthday, Mom."

With gentle fingers, Zack grabbed one end of the ribbon and pulled. Removing the lid of the tiny box, he extracted a miniscule masterpiece, just completed a few hours ago.

Within the box sat a small cupcake, Zack's first attempt at baking.

Procuring a lighter from his shirt pocket, Cody strode over to Zack's side and set the miniature candle sitting on the peak of the cupcake alight. Flickering a bit in the breeze, the flame gradually grew steady. Zack then sat the cupcake down on the ground, directly in front of Carey's grave.

"That looks fantastic."

Zack turned to his side and grinned at his brother.

"Thanks, Codes."

Throwing each other meaningful looks, Zack and Cody started clapping and singing.

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you…"

It was the afternoon of a snowy December, and the sun was hours away from setting. Yet high above in the sky a certain star sat concealed in the sun's light, waiting for darkness to approach such that she would once again be visible. Looking down from the heavens at the two young boys, now grown men, a proud tear fell from her eye.

My little men.

Beside her, yet another star scooted up beside her, sighed happily, and placed his arm on her shoulder. Smiling at her companion, the two stars held hands and looked back down onto earth at their boys, both looking happier than ever.

All was truly good.

The End