The dinner was delicious. I had been eating mostly bread and raw vegetables after the disappointing turkey-and-Swiss incident, and this meal of fresh angel-hair pasta with tomatoes and basil was an absolute feast. The food embodied love and happiness, and my soul felt nourished and rejuvenated. It was one of the most satisfying meals I’d ever had, and I could feel Martika’s love and support with every bite. When the dessert of fresh blueberries arrived, everyone switched places and I was fortunate enough to end up across from Madisyn. With the benefit of proximity, I could see that she had light blue eyes and a small white flower in her hair that complemented Martika’s.

“This food feels amazing,” Madisyn said as she sat down.

“Did you say feels?” I asked.

“Yes, the energy here is so beautiful, and this food is filled with good intention.”

“I agree. I didn’t know anyone else could feel energy in food. I just discovered it myself recently. I tried to eat in a restaurant and couldn’t, because it felt like I was eating someone else’s anger.”

She nodded. “I don’t understand why more restaurants aren’t into conscious cooking. That’s the main reason I can’t eat out anymore.”

“’Conscious cooking’? I didn’t know it had a name. Is that a new thing?”

“It’s been around since the beginning of time. It’s just that most restaurants don’t care about intention. That’s why a home-cooked meal always tastes better.” She caught her breath for a moment and then added, “If I had a restaurant, I’d force the employees to go home if they came to work in a bad mood. You can’t have a restaurant and let chefs put their bad energy in the food that’s served to customers. I guess now I have to start my own restaurant! Do I have to do everything myself?”

She laughed and her blue eyes sparkled.

I had never met someone who effortlessly balanced strength with compassion as much as she did. In her world, it appeared that both were part of a single continuum; and I was genuinely impressed with the grace with which she wove them together.

“That’s a handsome bracelet.” She changed the subject without missing a beat while nodding to the bracelet Robert had given me.

“Thanks. A friend of mine made it for me.”

“Tell me about it.”

“It’s made of carnelian and has moonstone and silver because of my connection to the moon. It comforts me.”

“Oh, that makes sense,” she smiled. “I thought I felt some lunar energy coming from you. I have a spiritual jewelry company. This is a piece of mine.” She gestured toward the necklace she was wearing. It had three silver ovals with Chinese characters and a clear crystal hanging from it.

“It’s very beautiful.”

“Yes, I love it. I just licensed it from a friend of Martika’s. I’ve actually been looking for some new designs that can be worn by men. Maybe your friend would be interested in working with me.”

“That would be great—I’ll let him know.” I thought that getting Robert some additional income would allow him to spend less time at the Co-op begging for money, and have more quality guru time.

“Give me your number and I’ll call you when we’re ready to take on some more designs. In the meantime, find out if your friend might be interested.”

“I will.” I gave her my number, hoping that she wouldn’t wait too long to call. As I handed her the paper, a friend of hers appeared and whispered in her ear.

“That’s my ride,” Madisyn said while getting up. “I have to go now. It was really nice talking to you.”

“You, too.”

“Bye, Lunar Boy.” She winked as she walked toward the door.

“Goodbye.” I nearly blushed.

After Madisyn left, I realized that I was starting to get tired. I decided it was probably a good time to leave and found Martika outside on her porch saying goodbye to the other guests. I too said my goodbyes and walked down her painted white steps into the night and toward my apartment.

There were no streetlamps on the road until I got to the main arterial, but the moon was full, which provided plenty of light. Walking alone by the light of the moon was a perfect way to end such a wonderful evening. When I arrived at my apartment, I immediately crawled into bed, filled with gratitude to finally be part of a community that welcomed me so completely. I closed my eyes and fell asleep, the happiest I’d been in years.