Today is a new day. The sun is shining brightly. And my stomach is growling for some dumpling soup.

   I look through my closet. I need to pick a shirt that I don't mind getting dirty. You never know when food will spill.

   "Where you going? With the guys?" Crissie's morning voice is so tempting. However, she is gonna make her healthy breakfast smoothie that I pretend to like because I love her.

   I don't look back to face her. "Actually, during yesterday's jog, I ran into another jogger. She was trying to lose weight. I told you, right?"

   "Yeah, that lonely girl. You guys went for...brunch." Her voice is casual but her tone is a tad bit jealous.

   "Right. Sweet girl. Anyway, we got along great. She said I remind her of her best friend who died a while ago."

   "Dead friend? And you remind her of them?" I love the concern in her voice. It reminds me that she cares. I appreciate it.

   "I know. That creeped me out a bit but she explained herself. Long story short, we're friends now and she wants me to come over so I can try her new soup recipe." I cringe knowing she's gonna ask what type of soup.

   "What type of soup?" She asks. I turn around to face the light skinned beauty. Her bob cut hair and her cute little dimple on the side of her right cheek make me smile.

   I sigh. "Vegetarian soup?" My voice pitch gets higher on purpose to suggest I'm lying. It's a joke.

   She laughs. "Right. Let me guess. Clam Chowder? Your favorite?"

   "Dumpling soup. Only had it once at Olive Garden. Remember?"

   "Yeah. I couldn't really eat anything there. I mean, the pasta was good, but I had to pick the chicken out."

   "Yeah." And that's why I'm going over to hang out with Bea instead of sitting here, starving to death. "Okay. Well, I'll see you later, babe. Time to eat!"

   "Just eat healthy portions. Remember, we're hitting the gym tonight."

   "Kay. Love you." I lean down to kiss her before making my way out the house.

   "Love you too. Later."