Mum told Dan to bring containers for Sunday leftovers.
He arrived with two large bags. His sister called him greedy, but Dan said they were not all for him.
After lunch, he tipped the bags onto the table. Mum stared at the pile.
Dan asked her to make a little more room….
Dan’s mum had a rule about Sunday lunch. Nobody went home hungry, and nobody went home without a second meal.
Her children liked the first part. Their freezers liked the second.
On Friday she sent Dan a message.
Bring containers this time. I am running out.
He replied that he would bring plenty.
On Sunday, Dan arrived carrying two large bags. His sister, Kate, had brought a small tub.
Kate looked at his bags.
Are you planning to leave any food for the rest of us?
Dan said there was enough for everyone.
Mum asked him to put the bags out of the way. He placed them by the back door, where they made a sound like somebody dropping a tray of cutlery.
Kate frowned.
What size freezer have you bought?
The same one, said Dan.
Then how is all that going to fit?
He told her not to worry. Most of it would be staying here.
Kate turned to Mum.
He’s already planning next Sunday.
At lunch, Dan took one helping. He turned down a second potato.
Mum felt his forehead.
Nothing wrong with me, he said. I’m leaving room.
For two bags of pudding? asked Kate.
After dinner, Mum brought out the leftover chicken. Kate handed over her little tub.
Dan fetched his bags.
He emptied the first onto the table. A great pile of plastic lids slid across the cloth.
Mum recognised a blue one from Christmas. She recognised a red one from the year before. One had her name on it in writing so faded that she had forgotten writing it.
Dan opened the second bag. More lids.
Kate picked one up.
Where did you get all these?
My kitchen cupboard.
Mum was delighted.
You’ve finally brought my things back!
Dan nodded.
She started matching the lids to her few remaining boxes. None fitted.
Dan, she said, where are the containers?
He glanced towards the back door.
She put down the chicken.
Please tell me this isn’t everything.
These are just the lids. The boxes are in the van.
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