Mak Ijah prepared my order---a bowl of chicken soup with hot fried tempeh. "I fried the tempeh again, Bu. Because if I brought it from home, by the time I get here, it's limp and not crispy anymore," Mak Ijah explained.
"Yes, Bu. This is delicious, warm, and crispy," I remarked while enjoying the delightful chicken soup with hot fried tempeh.
It was indeed delicious, just the breakfast I desired.
"Another one?" Mak Ijah asked. "Just one, I'm alone!" I replied, looking around, just in case Mak Ijah saw someone else beside me. What a sign that would be. Hihihi...
"It's more enjoyable alone. There's no chance of betrayal!"
"Hahaha...!" Mak Ijah laughed.
"Bu, you're funny!"
"Sometimes!" I chuckled along.
Or perhaps this had something to do with the reduced portion of chicken soup, so Mak Ijah thought maybe someone like me wouldn't be satisfied with just one portion? Hahaha...
Actually, this small portion was perfect for me. No matter how much food I bought, it always suited me. A little was enough, but I could finish a lot.
That had become a way of life, a food pattern. Frugal living that had been unconsciously instilled by parents since childhood and carried into adulthood.
