After reaching home, I was still worried about Karim. The way he immediately left left me uneasy. I couldn't shake off the concern about what might be happening on his end. I washed up first, trying to clear my mind, and then headed to the kitchen to cook something for myself. I decided on pasta—simple, comforting, and something I could manage while my thoughts were elsewhere.
I started by preparing the ingredients: chopping garlic, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and setting aside some spinach. I filled a pot with water, added a pinch of salt, and set it to boil. As I waited for the water to heat, I took out a pan to stir-fry the vegetables. The rhythmic chopping and sizzling sounds were soothing, a welcome distraction from my worries.
