.

 
"Well, darlin'. In this family, you'll soon find out that the women do all the work and the men do all the play. Isn't that right, Louise?"

The kitchen erupted in a chorus of shrill cackles, all while the two aunts didn't miss a beat in their meal preparation, slicing this and stirring that as they talked in Maggie's direction

 

 


 

 
All the aunts in the family were gathered in the bright, spacious kitchen, clanging pots, flitting about, and chirping like a nest of hungry birds. Between all the gossiping and laughing, they were cooking more food than Maggie had ever seen in one place.

She felt awkward just standing in the corner watching everyone rush around her, but she knew she probably wouldn't be much help.