Scene 1: Emma’s kitchen, Thursday morning. The smell of turkey fills the air; Grace helps set the table.
GRACE: Everything smells amazing, Emma! You’ve really outdone yourself this year.
EMMA: Thanks, Grace. I just hope the turkey finishes cooking on time.
GRACE: Don’t worry, it looks perfect. Daniel said he’s bringing a dessert, right?
EMMA: Yes, he’s bringing pumpkin pie. It’s his first Thanksgiving, so I told him to try baking something traditional.
The doorbell rings. Emma wipes her hands and goes to open the door.
EMMA: Daniel! Come in. Happy Thanksgiving!
DANIEL: (smiling) Happy Thanksgiving! I hope I said that right. Here’s the pie—I made it myself.
GRACE: Wow! It looks beautiful. You’re a natural.
Around the dining table. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and cranberry sauce cover the table.
DANIEL: I’ve heard about Thanksgiving for years, but this is my first time celebrating it.
EMMA: Then welcome to your first American holiday feast! It’s all about food, friends, and being thankful.
GRACE: And overeating! Don’t forget that part.
DANIEL: (laughs) I’ll try my best. So, what are you most thankful for this year?
EMMA: Hmm… I’m thankful for good health and for having everyone together again.
GRACE: I’m thankful for this delicious food—and for not having to do the dishes!
DANIEL: I’m thankful to have friends who invite me to share this tradition. Back home, we have harvest festivals too, but this feels so warm and special.
EMMA: That’s wonderful. What do you usually eat at your harvest festival?
DANIEL: We cook rice dishes, vegetables, and sweet cakes. Everyone brings something to share, just like this.
After dinner. They relax in the living room; the fireplace crackles softly.
GRACE: I can’t move! I ate too much.
EMMA: (laughs) That means it was a good meal.
DANIEL: I loved the turkey and stuffing, but the cranberry sauce was new to me. It’s sweet and sour at the same time!
GRACE: That’s the best part. You’ll get used to the strange combinations.
EMMA: Next year, you can host Thanksgiving, Daniel.
DANIEL: (grinning) I’ll try—if you promise to help me with the turkey.
EMMA: Deal. The secret is to start early and not panic.
GRACE: And to keep the dessert table full!
They clink their glasses of apple cider together.
ALL: Happy Thanksgiving!
— THE END —