Emma laughed, shaking her head slightly. "I cook for lots of reasons. Starting with I have to eat. Other people have to eat, and this is one thing I can actually do that's productive and useful. It reminds me of my grandmother, and other people I miss. It can be a kind of meditation or art or play, depending on my mood. And I'm good at it." It was probably that last bit, combined with people needing to eat that made it good for making friends.

"People have opinions about food, feelings and memories too. Food has meaning, for most people, beyond just being fuel. It's also something where 'agree to disagree' isn't going to hurt anybody. And when my hands are busy with something I know how to do, it's easier for me not to get self-conscious and awkward talking to someone I don't know well."