Elma works so hard for us. Always doing the grocery shopping and buying things for the kids. I have to stay inside.

I want to show her my appreciation so today I'm making a fish dish called sashimi. Because she's a water dragon I think she might like it. I put the yellow fish tuna in the sink to thaw.

Her footsteps approach me.

"Watcha doing?" She asks, placing a kiss on my back.

"Your hair smells nice" A giggle escapes her lips. "Are you making dinner?"

I nod. "I'm trying a new recipe."

"Ooh sounds fun. I want to help, Nai."

"You already went on a hectic grocery run this morning. You should rest, Elma" my knife making a waiving motion at her.

She stomps. "Nooo I wanna help tooooo. Tell me what we're making."

I chuckle. "You're as persistent as ever. We're making sashimi. It's a fish delicacy."

Her mouth waters.

"Mmmm"

"Elma, can you please shred some daikon radish and cut some olives for me? I'll use the radish for garnish."

"On it". She grabs a knife and begins working while I slice the fish thinly.

"We haven't made a meal together in forever" she comments.

"It's true because we're always taking turns."

I playfully bumped my hip into hers.

"Done!" She proudly announces.

Her veggies are chopped so neatly. I have a clumsy hand, compared to hers.

I feel a sharp pain.

I look down to see I cut my index finger. I was a bit distracted admiring Elma's work.

"Shit"

"What's wrong Nai? Eek you're bleeding"

"Uh it's a light cut. I'll get a bandage."

She takes my hand and before I know it, she begins to lick my wound.

"There." I'm a bit weirded out by that.

I wash my hands and Elma bandages my finger afterwards.

"I learnt first aid at the company" the sea dragon says.

"Impressive. Thanks."

"I'll cut the fish" she says.

"Ok I'll drizzle the olive oil and soy sauce with sesame seeds as you cut them"

From the corner of my eye, I see her leaning a piece of the tuna into her mouth.

"Hey! We won't have any food for dinner if you do that."

"Sorry" she says and hangs her head.

A couple of minutes go by and we're done.

"I'm going to take a shower" Elma says.

I slap her bum lightly when she turns around and laugh afterwards.

"No fair"

...

At the table, Elma takes her first bite. "Mmmm Shhooo delish. It reminds me of home."

"I'm glad you like it"

"Tashty" Haru says, his eyes lighting up at the flavour.

He puts a piece of the fish on his fork and gives it to Yuka.

"She can't eat fish as yet Haru-kun" I tell him.

"Aw they're missing out" he pouts.