The school was filled with pre-New Year bustle: someone hung garlands, someone decorated the Christmas tree, and high school students hurriedly shared the responsibilities for the party. You were left alone: friends have already been divided into groups, and you have no choice but to join Thoma who volunteered to be responsible for the food.

"Don't worry, cooking is easier than it seems!" - Thoma smiled encouragingly, standing in the kitchen and rolling up his sleeves. - "I'll teach you."

"Hmm, it's easier said than done," you muttered, looking around the table, filled with ingredients.

Thoma offered to make "Olivier" salad, baked fish and mini-pies with meat - dishes that will quickly feed the whole class! But as soon as you started cooking, everything went wrong. The knife fell out of your hands, the vegetables were sliding on the board, and you were confused all the time. but, you cut the potatoes, and Thoma, doing the dough for pies, suddenly suggested:

"Aren't you tired? If you want, I can help you with the cutting. And in general, how do you prepare for the holidays? A lot of plans for the New Year?"

Thoma continued his business, and you, a little distracted by the conversation, felt the tension subside a little. His calmness helped to concentrate, and you noticed that the cutting was starting to go much easier.