“Your Eyes Light Up…”

This is what my friend Sang Jae said to me. We were discussing some of the problems at my school. I was trying not to become frustrated. He asked me, “Hungry?” I thought for a moment. Yeah. I am. Want to come over? I’ll fix us grilled cheese! “You always say green cheese. What this green cheese?” First, it’s *grilled* cheese, not green. And it’s so delicious. Ma-chi-tta. Really. “I will try. Only because your eyes light up when you say this green cheese.”

As I was preparing our sandwiches, these thoughts struck me. This is a country where rice, not bread, is a staple. Dairy products are few and far between. Heck, it took me weeks to even locate cheese slices. Would he think grilled cheese is as wonderful as I think it is? Would he understand this is what moms fix their children on rainy days? Would he understand why my eyes light up?

I grilled the sandwiches, cut them into perfect triangles, and garnished the plates with strawberries and orange slices. I reluctantly handed him the plate. Careful, it’s still hot. I watched with anticipation as he gingerly took his first bite. He chewed, then looked up at me. The moment of truth.

“Sooooo goooooooooood.”

Maybe there really are universals.