Chapter 258 Well-Fed
After letting the fish stew, Aleshia determined that the fish was safe to eat. Since she didn't have sticks for the kids to hold the fish with this time, she searched the cabinets for bowls and plates to use as substitutes. Aleshia quickly found what she needed and laid them out on the counter, along with the forks, spoons, knives, and other utensils she had already uncovered. Aleshia wasn't sure if the kids knew how to use forks and knives, but she decided to let the older kids help them with that until she could find something better for them to use.
Aleshia grabbed the help of the older kids in cutting the fish into smaller, more manageable pieces. They grabbed the knives that Aleshia had previously laid out and started chopping the fish. After that, they began plating the fish and serving it to the younger children, allowing them all to share. This assembly line was running smoothly, but soon some of the younger kids who hadn't had their share grew discontent, wishing they could have a plate of their own. They started whining, prompting some of the other kids present to comfort those who were upset. It was at this moment that Rebel and Daniel entered.
"Yum! I couldn't contain myself after smelling such delicious food," Rebel said as she entered the kitchen, helped along by Daniel.
"Yes, indeed, it is a delightful aroma wafting from this place," Daniel agreed.
They watched as some kids fought over the fish while the older ones tried to calm them down, saying things like, "There will be more, so be patient. Look at us; do we have plates?"
The child looked at them and responded, "No."
Right after the child said that, Aleshia carried more cooked fish from the pot and placed it onto the plates. The older kids began distributing the fish to all the children, making sure everyone got a portion, which also satisfied the kid who had thrown a fit. That day, the camp was well-fed.
"I wouldn't have expected you to have all this food," Daniel said after helping Rebel eat her fish. They were the last ones to eat, as the older kids had taken one of each for themselves earlier when they were certain that the children were all fed. At that moment, it was just Daniel, Rebel, and Aleshia eating together with some of the older kids who stayed back to clean the dishes that were left out.