[...Hm. Well, that's certainly a change in attitude, isn't it? He wonders, vaguely, what it was that struck a chord. Something to think about another time, maybe.]

Close. It's still not the same as my mom's, but it's getting better.

[He hesitates a minute, then disappears into the kitchen and returns with a bowl of his own, sinking into a chair and spooning himself a helping — heavy on the meat — as well.]

...I didn't used to. Cook. Used to just drink beer and eat...whatever.

[He shrugs a little, ducking his head into his food.]

Now I cook.