The strange smell hit her again, stronger now.
"What is that smell?" she asked, covering her nose.
It was smoky and harsh. Definitely not the pleasant cooking smells she was used to.
Eric turned back to his cooking, looking proud despite the obvious problems.
"I tried making curry rice with deep-fried pork," he announced. "I know it might not be as tasty as what you make, but I wanted to surprise you."
Hailey moved closer and peered over his shoulder. The deep-fried pork actually looked good — golden brown and crispy.
But that smell was getting worse.
"I meant the burning smell," she said carefully.
Eric's eyes went wide.
"The curry!" he exclaimed in panic.
He rushed to check another pot on the back burner. When he lifted the lid, smoke billowed out.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no," he muttered.
The curry was completely ruined. Black and smoking. It looked like charcoal.
The harsh smell filled the entire kitchen.
"Is it burnt?" Hailey asked, rushing to his side.
