I scooped a big portion into a blue plastic bowl and set it on the counter in front of her.

I poured a glass of cold water and put it by her right hand.

Lily picked up her metal fork and took a bite.

She chewed slowly, swallowed, and took another.

She didn’t stop or look up until the bowl was completely empty.

“More, please,” she said quietly.

I took the bowl and filled it again from the pot.

She ate the second helping just as steadily as the first.