The Dinner at the Hua’s House

As the evening breeze ruffles the leaves and trees under the milky twilight, the noise on the street gradually dies down as people hurrying home for supper. For many, it is just a typical autumn nightfall. However, for the Huas, it is a lovely day celebrating both the special reunion of Mulan and her family and the delightful arrival of the handsome general, Li-shiang.

The house is especially clean and tidy that day with hardly any layer of dust on the shelf or window frame. Candles with tender fragrance are lit at every corner of the dining room. On the rectangular dining table spread the treasured yellowish table cloth, which is embellished with embroidery of birds and flowers, reserved only for New Year’s Eve and other special occasions. Besides the table, Mama’s favorite white and blue porcelain vase is placed with fresh tulips and lilies.

Despite all the splendid decorations in the room, the most appealing of all is the mouthwatering dishes made by Mama and Granny. Even before they are brought to the table, the enticing aroma from the kitchen has been tempting people to dig in. Right in the middle of the table served the “Fo-Tiao-Qiang”. Like a bowl full of treasures, the soup is of the color of amber with rich ingredients such as: chicken, mushroom, scallop, quail eggs and taro lying visible underneath the surface. To the left of the soup serves the “Creamy Cabbage Baked”. A thick layer of white cream covers the cabbage like snow and the midst of the surface is baked slightly golden brown. To the right, “Pineapple Shrimp Balls” are arranged neatly in a round plate with a little sprinkled pepper and some mayonnaise on the top, making them look like Christmas decoration.

Other than the appetizing aroma of the dishes, the dining room is filled with the delightful laughter and ongoing conversation of the Huas and Li-shiang. Mama and Granny collapse into giggles like teenage girls at the amusing stories told by the general. Papa smiles and occasionally gives his comments. However, Mulan just sits there and eats her meal quietly with relish, curving up her lips like waxing crescent. She likes to enjoy this sense of serenity among the revelry. The dim light of the candles, the savoring taste reminding her so much of her childhood, and the familiar chatter of the family all makes her feel secure and at home. She does not realize where she leaves off their conversation or when Li-shiang begins the anecdotes about her during war time. She is drawn back to the table from her tranquil world at a sudden burst of exclamation of her folks. She lifts up her face to find Li-shiang winking at her, and her folks giggling from the back. Subsequently, she feels an abrupt rush of warmness in both of her cheeks.

With the evening slowly fading into night, the house is illuminated with joy and coziness. It has been a long time since the Hua last share a dinner together.  Mulan feels wonderful to be home again; all the more so to be home with her favorite person, Li-shiang, whose sense of humor she likes best. It is truly a special night for the Huas and Li-shiang that will leave a lasting memory in each of their mind.