"You know, my shijie would say the same thing, when she let me help out in the kitchen. I was always better with the stuff that didn't need heating, if you forget about it for a moment, usually it's fine!"

He breathes out in a laugh, shaking his head. It's easier in increments to talk about Yanli without feeling that pull in his chest, like he's trying to breathe underwater.

"I'm glad for the company, ah? Sharing a somewhat successful attempt at cooking, and the water, and the sunny day we're getting to see for a few handful of minutes, at least."