I’ve been the Lunch Lady at St. Jude’s Academy, a private high school for the ultra-wealthy, for thirteen years. My cooking is impeccable. Even these picky heirs and heiresses are addicted to my food. Although my family isn't rich, my husband is hardworking and honest, and my daughter is smart and beautiful. I always thought I was happy. Until my elementary school daughter offended a group of mean girls over a trivial matter and was pushed off a roof. When my honest husband went to the school to demand justice, they had his legs broken and threw him out like trash. That afternoon, I sat behind the serving counter, unable to stop my tears. Suddenly, a hand gently tapped my shoulder. "Auntie Liu, what's good for lunch today?" I wiped my face in a panic. Looking up, I saw the students who were usually joking around now wearing expressions of deadly seriousness. "Auntie, who bullied you? Why are you crying?" 1 The morning started with heavy snow falling outside the window. I took out the fresh ingredients prepared the night before, chopping them finely. I mixed the seasoned pork, stirring it in one direction until it was perfect. Seasoning, a splash of hot oil—the aroma exploded instantly. Next to me, the large pot of lamb soup had turned milky white, bubbling away. I fished out the cooked lamb, sliced it thin, and started stewing a huge pot of beef curry before rolling out dough for dumplings. As soon as the lunch bell rang, students swarmed in. Leo, the school's biggest troublemaker, was the first to rush the window. "Auntie Liu! I'm starving. What's on the menu?" I smiled. "It's the Winter Solstice today. I made four kinds of dumplings. If you don't want dumplings, there's lamb soup or beef curry with rice!" Behind him, Asher, who grew up with Leo, strolled in. "So many options? Aren't you tired, Auntie?" "By the way, my dad said your raise is approved for next year. It's a done deal." "Also, for the summer Europe trip, the school will cover the costs for you and your daughter to come along. We can hang out." Asher is the Chairman's son. He looks cold, but he's the most reliable. If he says it, it's happening. I grinned from ear to ear and served him a huge bowl of lamb soup, the meat piled high like a mountain. Leo protested immediately. "Auntie Liu, that's favoritism! Why does he get more meat?" "There's plenty for everyone! Come back for seconds if you're still hungry!" I stepped aside, pointing to the results of my morning's work. "Unlimited refills!" Leo almost jumped with joy. "Yes! Auntie Liu, I love you!" 2 I came from a poor mountain village with two younger brothers. At seven, I was standing on a stool to cook for the whole family. After middle school, my dad smoked his pipe and said there was no money for me to continue studying. The next day, I tore up my high school acceptance letter, grabbed a worn-out bag, and took a train north. I was fifteen. I worked on assembly lines until I stumbled into a kitchen job at a big hotel. The head chef saw my hard work and taught me real skills. I saved money, went to night school, and got my culinary certification. At twenty-one, I was hired by this elite private high school. In the blink of an eye, I've been cooking here for thirteen years. After cleaning up at 3 PM, I went to pick up my daughter, Mia. Mia is ten, a fourth-grader at a nearby public school. Seeing me, she handed over a certificate like it was treasure. "Mom! I won first place in the city essay contest! The teacher said I'm going to the nationals next month!" My hands shook with excitement. I hugged her tight. "Mia, you're amazing!" "Tell Mom what you want to eat. Dad will cook a feast tonight!" Mia's ponytail swung as she skipped forward, holding my hand. Suddenly, I felt a chill on my back, like someone was watching us. I turned around. Two girls about Mia's age stood at the school gate, staring at us with dark expressions. "Who are they?" I asked. Mia looked over, her face falling. "We used to be friends." "Last exam, she wanted me to pass her notes. I refused, so she cut me off." "Mom, did I do something wrong?" I shook my head, smoothing her hair. "No, Mia did the right thing. You don't need friends like that." At 6 PM, my husband, Tom, came home. He held a fancy cake box. "For Mia's award." "And for our 12th anniversary." I blushed. "We're an old couple, why spend money on this..." Tom scratched his head, face red. "The clerk said anniversaries need rituals. You rest, I'll cook." He's a man of few words, just hard work. Soon, a table of our favorite dishes was ready. Mia closed her eyes to make a wish. "I wish for our family to be together forever, healthy and rich!" 3 Since the school is far, I usually stay in the staff dorms and only go home on weekends. On Monday, Tom gave me a bag of pastries from his bakery. "Last time some punks caused trouble at the shop, a few of your students helped out and bought a lot. These are for them." After the lunch rush, I gave the pastries to a few girls I was close with. Leo saw it and wailed. "Auntie Liu! Discrimination! Why only for the girls?" A girl rolled her eyes. "Got a problem with that?" "No, no," Leo grinned. "I just wanted Auntie Liu's number so I can buy some for my sister." "Tch, just say you want to eat. Always using your sister as a shield." Listening to their banter, my heart felt warm. 4 Actually, when I first started, I didn't know the students well. In my third year, a girl caught my attention. She hovered by the window every day, eventually ordering the cheapest vegetable dish. It hurt to watch. This school has scholarship kids too. So, whenever I served her, I hid braised pork or fish under the rice. We had a silent understanding. But a few days later, she brought the tray back, face cold. "Change this. I don't eat fish. I didn't order this. Why did you decide for me?" I noticed the expensive bracelet on her wrist. I realized my mistake, blushing. "Sorry... Auntie will get you a new one." I just wanted the kids to eat well. Full stomachs study better. I served her again. As she turned to leave, she saw me give an extra scoop of meat to a skinny boy behind her. She paused. Later, she came back to apologize. "Sorry for my attitude." I was confused. "I thought... you recognized me as the Chairman's daughter and were trying to suck up to me." Her name is Chloe, Asher's older sister. She told me she usually ate at home but came to the cafeteria after fighting with her parents. We became close. Whenever I made a new dish, I asked Chloe to taste it. "Auntie, these wings are amazing. What's in them?" "Yogurt marinade." "That's French style! You know that?" I laughed shyly. "I just read cookbooks." "Seriously, your skills are wasted here. You should open a private kitchen." I've thought about it, but... "I don't know," I said. "I feel grounded here." Watching these vibrant kids, I feel like I'm living out the high school dream I never had. Thirteen years passed like this. Just after lunch service, Mia's homeroom teacher called. "Mia's mom, come to school immediately. Something happened." My heart sank. "What happened?" "A fight. It's complicated. We need a parent meeting." Leo, who hadn't left, asked, "Auntie Liu, what's wrong? You look pale." I untied my apron, rushing out. "Nothing. Just going to Mia's school." "Let me know if you need anything!"
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