I dreamt that my good friends Paula and Vicky came to stay at our house. We girls were chatting casually while my husband was in the kitchen preparing stir-fried water spinach.
My husband came out of the kitchen holding a few stems of water spinach. I asked him what he was doing, and he said he wanted to plant them so we could grow more water spinach.
I noticed a few more stems of water spinach on the dining table and thought he could plant those as well. However, he picked them up and said, "These won't do. Our daughter and her friend had pressed them flat to make specimens. These flattened stems can't be planted." I watched as he planted the remaining stems in our garden.
I couldn't help but worry that Paula, who always expects high-end service, might find it a bit shabby to be served only water spinach. I felt a little bad about not being able to entertain them more lavishly.
After dinner, Vicky took out some fruit and red fermented rice paste she had brought. She mixed and kneaded them together, and the originally white and yellow fruit turned into red-tinted fruit with the paste. It was quite tasty.
Vicky mentioned that although we didn't entertain them in a luxurious manner, the unique homemade dishes we prepared had their own special touch. They appreciated the effort and thoughtfulness behind it, even if it wasn't extravagant.
夢見好友 Paula 和 Vicky 來到我們家住下來。我們幾個女生閒話家常，老公在廚房準備炒空心菜。
老公從廚房出來，手上有幾根空心菜。我問他，他說他要去種，這樣子就可以長更多的空心菜 。
我看到餐桌上也有幾根空心菜，想說讓他一起拿去種好了。他拿起來看了說：「這些不行。因為剛剛女兒跟她的同學，為了做標本，已經把菜壓扁了。這些是扁掉的菜，不能種。」我就看著他拿著那幾根空心菜，種在院子菜圃。
我心裡不免想，Paula 總是要求高檔服務，家裡只有空心菜招待她，可能有點寒酸，招待不周，有點過意不去。
飯後 Vicky 拿出她帶來的水果與紅糟。經過她混合搓揉後，本來是白白黃黃的水果，沾上紅紅的紅糟，變成紅糟水果，還蠻好吃的。
Vicky 說我們雖然不是用很豪華的方式招待她們，但我們做一些獨特的家常菜肴招待她們。雖然不是奢華的方式，但也具頗具心意與特色，她們覺得很感謝。
Ending 1: Unexpected Delight
After dinner, Vicky brought out some fruit and red fermented rice paste she had brought with her. She mixed and kneaded them together, and the originally white and yellow fruit turned into red-tinted fruit with the paste. It was quite tasty. Just then, Paula, who had been relatively quiet, exclaimed how much she enjoyed the simplicity and uniqueness of the meal. She shared stories of how the most memorable meals in her life were the ones that were made with love and simplicity. This made everyone smile, and you felt relieved and happy that the evening turned out to be a memorable one for all.
Ending 2: A Garden Surprise
As your husband planted the water spinach in the garden, Paula and Vicky joined in, expressing interest in gardening. Vicky shared that she had always wanted to try her hand at growing vegetables but never had the chance. The three of you ended up spending the evening in the garden, planting more seeds and sharing gardening tips. Paula, surprisingly, enjoyed it the most, and you felt a sense of accomplishment and joy seeing your friends find happiness in the simple act of gardening.
Ending 3: A Culinary Revelation
After Vicky prepared the red-tinted fruit, Paula surprised everyone by sharing a secret family recipe for a special dessert that used similar ingredients. Together, you all prepared the dessert, and it turned out to be an exquisite treat. Paula admitted that she valued the time spent together and the effort more than any fancy meal she could have had elsewhere. The evening ended with laughter and a newfound appreciation for each other's company and the simple pleasures of cooking together.
Ending 4: A Heartfelt Conversation
After dinner, as you were cleaning up, Paula pulled you aside and expressed how much she appreciated your efforts. She confessed that she had been feeling overwhelmed by the constant need to uphold a high standard in her life and found the simplicity of your home and meal refreshing. This led to a deep and heartfelt conversation among the three of you about the pressures of modern life and the joy of finding contentment in the small things. The night ended with a strengthened bond and a promise to cherish these moments more often.
Ending 5: A Musical Evening
After dinner, Vicky suggested a musical activity. She brought out a small instrument she carried with her, and you all took turns playing and singing. Paula, who had a beautiful voice, sang a heartfelt song that moved everyone. The evening transformed into an impromptu music session, with everyone sharing their favorite songs and stories. It turned into a joyous and memorable night, filled with music, laughter, and a deeper connection.
These alternate endings offer different perspectives and outcomes, reflecting various aspects of friendship, hospitality, and personal growth.