Originally published in Literary Mama, November 2025
“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but you are unable to have children. Biologically, that is.” I stared blankly at the doctor, blinking once, twice, and then a third time before the tears slipped down my right cheek.
I turned around and left without saying a word that day. I returned home and baked two trays of focaccia, four cakes, one pie, and enough ratatouille to serve my entire neighborhood. Because that is what I do when I am upset. My kitchen is the central gathering point within my home: my solace, the space where I can just be.
Read the full essay at Literary Mama → https://literarymama.com/articles/departments/2025/11/roots-and-wings-the-stew-that-saved-us