“I heard that!” Elena yelled into the living room.
Making merkén popcorn was a ritual that connected her to her Chilean roots. The smoky and spicy chili blend had been her grandmother's recipe. Miguel proclaimed it ‘the best popcorn in the universe’ to anyone who would listen. Tonight, she was sharing it with Finn.
While she waited for the popcorn, she could hear Miguel and Finn in the living room, engaged in what sounded like a debate about movie selection.
“Okay, let’s try this. Type in ‘most bloody zombie movies’,” Miguel suggested.
“Do you really think your mom will be okay with that?”
Elena allowed herself a peek into the living room. “Good point…” Miguel said, pacing around the room in serious thought because this was clearly the biggest decision of his life.
Miguel jumped up in a lightbulb moment. “How about this? Type in ‘least bloody zombie movies.’”
Elena watched as Finn struggled to hold back a laugh.
“Good idea.”
The popping sound of the kernels pulled her back to the kitchen. Elena thought of the foam she awkwardly consumed just a couple of hours ago. Her dinner with David had felt so fake and performative. This… whatever this was, was the complete opposite.
As the popping slowed, she added the merkén. A deep red spice blend, then a drizzle of melted butter. The mixture filled the kitchen with an aroma that made her mouth water in anticipation.
"Is it ready yet?" Miguel appeared in the doorway, practically vibrating with impatience. "Finn says he's never had Chilean food before. Can you believe that?"
"No way," Elena said in feigned surprise, giving the pot one final shake. "Go get changed into pajamas first."
Miguel groaned but complied, thundering downthe hallway. Elena poured the popcorn into a large wooden bowl, the red-tinted kernels steaming. When she returned to the living room, Finn was scrolling through movie options. He was looking more relaxed than she'd ever seen him.
"Find anything interesting?" she asked, setting the bowl on the coffee table.
Finn turned, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Well, Miguel was lobbying pretty hard for something with explosions.”
"Can we maybe not do explosions before bed?”God, it almost sounded like they were a family.
"That smells amazing," Finn said, looking at the popcorn.
"Family recipe," Elena explained. "It's a little spicy. I hope that’s okay."
"I like spicy," Finn said.
Miguel returned, now in flannel pajama pants and a wrinkled tee shirt. "I picked Batman," he announced, already reaching for a handful of popcorn. "It’s a classic. Load it up, Finn."
Elena rolled her eyes. “I thought we said no explosions?”
Miguel was ready for her protest. “Batman punches people, Mom. He doesn’t explode them.” He tapped his temple to emphasize how clever he was. Elena decided just to give in. She couldn’t keep up with the debate, not when her opponent was a twelve-year-old fueled by Mountain Dew.
Elena excused herself to change while Miguel set up the movie. In her bedroom, she gratefully removed the burgundy dress. She changed into something much more comfortable, a sweater and yoga pants.
There was just one more thing to take care of. She pulled out her phone to send a text to David. “Thanks for dinner. To be honest, I don’t think I felt a connection. I hope you find what you’re lookingfor.”
When she returned, Miguel had claimed the middle of the couch, with the bowl of popcorn balanced on his lap. Finn sat to his right, looking uncertain about the casual arrangement but trying to appear comfortable.
Elena settled on Miguel's other side, tucking her feet up beneath her. The opening credits rolled, bathing the darkened room in soft light. Miguel offered the popcorn bowl to Finn, watching expectantly as he took his first bite.
"Well?" Miguel demanded. "Is it the best popcorn you've ever had or what?"
Finn's eyes widened as the flavors hit. "So good," he said, reaching for another handful. "The smokiness is perfect."
Miguel beamed at Elena over the bowl. "Told you," he mouthed.
