In a snug flat in the heart of Berlin, five students shared not just a living space but a bond that had been nurtured through late-night study sessions and spontaneous adventures. Among them was Max, a 29-year-old with a penchant for cooking. As the semester drew to a close, Max decided to celebrate his time with his flatmates by hosting a grand farewell dinner—an event he affectionately dubbed his “last supper.”
Max loved cooking, and he was known for his flair in the kitchen. As he sat down to plan the meal, he envisioned a lavish five-course feast that would leave everyone talking long after he had moved out. With no dietary restrictions among his flatmates, he felt confident in his culinary choices. He quickly set up a WhatsApp group, inviting everyone to the dinner and asking when they would be home. Excited responses flooded in, and he even made room for two of his former flatmates who had been like family to him.
With the menu set and ingredients in hand, Max began his preparations. He marinated chicken, whipped up desserts, and crafted a beautiful starter that he froze for freshness. His excitement bubbled over as he anticipated the evening—laughter, memories, and good food all in one place.
However, the culinary plans took an unexpected turn when Dev, another flatmate aged 25, messaged him with a request. “Hey Max, my girlfriend wants to come too. She’s vegetarian, is that okay?”
Max felt a knot form in his stomach. While he adored Dev and appreciated the spirit of inclusivity, he had meticulously planned a meal that revolved around meat. The only vegetarian options he had considered were salad and bread—barely enough for a full meal.
“Sure, she can join,” he replied, aware that he needed to be accommodating. “But just a heads up, I haven’t prepared anything vegetarian besides salad and some sides.”
In the following hours, Max wrestled with the dilemma. He could either scramble to create a vegetarian dish at the last minute, or proceed with his original plan. He weighed the extra effort against the joy of sharing his favorite dishes with his flatmates. Ultimately, he decided to stay true to his vision. After all, he reasoned, everyone else was excited about the meal, and it was a special occasion.
On the day of the dinner, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The aroma of marinated chicken wafted through the flat, and laughter echoed off the walls as flatmates gathered in the kitchen, eager to help with the final touches. Max felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he looked around; this was his family away from home.
As the clock ticked closer to dinner time, Dev’s girlfriend, Lily, arrived. She was charming and upbeat, but Max could sense a tension brewing as he glanced at the sparse vegetarian options he had laid out.
“Hey there! I hope it’s okay, but I didn’t really prepare anything special for you,” he said, trying to convey warmth despite the awkwardness.
Lily smiled, though her eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment. “That’s alright! I’m sure I’ll manage with the salad and bread,” she replied.
Dinner commenced, and Max proudly served the first course—an exquisite appetizer that had everyone raving. The room was filled with laughter and stories, and for a moment, he forgot about the looming issue of Lily’s dietary needs.
As the evening progressed and the main course was served, the mood shifted slightly. While everyone else indulged in the succulent chicken, Lily picked at her salad, her smile growing more strained with each passing bite. Max felt a pang of guilt. He hadn’t intended for her to feel left out, but his previous choices now loomed over him like a dark cloud.
After dinner, as everyone settled in for dessert, the conversation drifted towards favorite memories from their time together. Max shared a particularly amusing anecdote about a failed cooking experiment that had everyone in stitches, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.
As dessert was served—a decadent chocolate mousse—Max seized the opportunity to check in with Lily. “Hey, I hope you’re doing okay with the meal. I really didn’t mean to leave you out,” he admitted, his tone sincere.
Lily looked at him thoughtfully before answering. “Honestly, I appreciate you inviting me, but it would have been nice to have a proper vegetarian dish. I know it was a lot to ask on such short notice, but I felt a bit left out.”
Max nodded, understanding the weight of her words. “I get it, and I’m really sorry. If you’d like, I’d love to cook for you sometime—just you and me. I can whip up something special.”
Her face brightened at the offer. “I’d like that! It would be fun to try something new together.”
The evening wrapped up with a sense of camaraderie restored. As the last of the dishes were cleared away, Max found himself reflecting on the importance of consideration in friendships. He had intended to create a memorable night, but he realized that true hospitality meant ensuring everyone felt included.
A few days later, as he packed his bags, he sent a message to the group. “Thanks for an incredible dinner! And Lily, let’s set a date for that vegetarian feast!”
The response was swift and jubilant, filled with plans for their next gathering. Max left the flat not only with fond memories but with the promise of new culinary adventures—one that would include every flavor in their vibrant group.
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