LAURA

I put four cups of Rice Bubbles

in Mum’s mixing bowl

sprinkle a dash of cocoa

and then more cocoa

and then even more because

too much chocolate is never enough.

I add a cup of icing sugar

and some melting rich Copha

the way Mum told me

when I rang her at work.

She asked me if I needed anything

and I suggested another packet of Rice Bubbles

just in case

my recipe turns into torture.

I mix everything together

for exactly fifteen minutes

until my arms ache.

I sprinkle coconut on top and mix again.

I wonder if Mick likes crackles?

Everyone likes crackles!

One good turn deserves another.

I spoon the mix into patty cake papers

and slide the tray into the fridge.

I sit in the kitchen

waiting for them to set

wishing

fridges had glass doors

so I could watch

and check

and hope

that they taste as good as they look.