A burning scent signals me to turn towards the stove. I don’t see smoke coming from the pot of boiling water. Then I spot dark curls wafting from the toaster. I eject the charred bread and rush to open windows, hoping to avoid a visit from the fire department. I was just complaining to friends about being on my third “cheap toaster” in eight years of living in this flat. How do I know when it’s time to buy a “grownup toaster” if I don’t know how much longer I’ll be in this country … or if I’m even a grownup?
Maria Ordovas-Montanes moved to England in 2015 to pursue her PhD. Her first kettle still works but she hasn’t had as much luck with toasters. kuladiaries.substack.com/p/kula-diaries-friends-maria-ordovas www.outtherepodcast.com/episodes/fkt Instagram: @mordov01