Characters:
MARIA: Loves to cook traditional food from her country.
JOHN: Lives alone and eats simply.
AMINA: Busy working mom who likes quick meals.
Setting: End of a long day. Maria, John, and Amina are sitting in the break room at work, talking before they go home.
(SCENE START)
MARIA: (smiling) It’s almost six o’clock! I’m starting to feel hungry. What do you usually cook for dinner, John?
JOHN: (laughs) Oh, I’m not a great cook, Maria. Most nights I just make something easy. Maybe some eggs and toast. Sometimes I buy a frozen pizza if I don’t have time.
AMINA: (nodding) I understand, John. I work late almost every day. When I get home, I have to cook for my children. Usually, I make something quick—like pasta with vegetables, or chicken and rice.
MARIA: That sounds nice, Amina! For me, cooking is a way to relax. I like to make food from my country. Tonight, I’ll make paella—it’s rice with seafood, chicken, and vegetables. It takes some time, but the smell fills my house.
JOHN: That sounds delicious! But I’m always too tired to cook big meals. I wish I knew how to cook more things. Maybe I could try cooking with you one day, Maria.
AMINA: Me too! I want my kids to try new food, but sometimes I don’t know what to cook. Do you have any recipes that are easy?
MARIA: Of course! I can show you both some simple Spanish dishes. For example, “tortilla de patatas” is just potatoes, eggs, and onions. It’s easy and everyone loves it.
JOHN: I think I could make that. I have eggs and potatoes at home.
AMINA: Yes, me too. And it sounds healthy! What about you, John? Is there any food you remember from your childhood?
JOHN: My mom used to make beef stew. It took a long time, but it was so good on cold nights.
MARIA: Maybe we can all cook together one weekend. I can bring paella, John can try stew, and Amina can make her pasta. We can have a dinner party!
AMINA: That would be wonderful! My children would love to meet you and try new foods.
JOHN: It’s a deal. Next week, dinner at Maria’s place!
MARIA: Great! I’ll make sure to cook enough for everyone. Now, I’m really looking forward to dinner tonight.
(They all laugh and start planning their dinner party as the scene ends.)
(SCENE END)