A Stir-Fry That Waited for Her

From Chapter 32: Woven by Love

She won the award.

Her name was on the list.

But someone — quietly — crossed it out.

No reason.

No apology.

Just silence.

In Woven by Love, Chapter 32 tells the story of Tien’s final day of high school.

She had earned the top scholarship in her town — but when the final ceremony came, her name was never called. A teacher had removed it from the list without explanation.

She came home not defeated, but carrying a quiet, bitter ache.

She had promised her mum she’d return with the award.

But Le didn’t ask.

She didn’t cry.

She simply cooked.

On the table was a plate of stir-fried green beans with thin slices of pork — still warm, still familiar.

Beside it, soy sauce with red chilli. Their usual.

That was Le’s way of saying:

“You are more than what was taken from you. You are home.”

Stir Fry Green Bean with Pork Slice - Woven by Love

A Note from Angel

This was the dish on the table the day Tien’s name disappeared —

not because she failed,

but because someone else made their choice.

And yet…

the beans still had their crunch.

The chilli still brought heat.

The home still held her.

And her mother’s unshakable love —

that was the greatest award of all.

One no one could ever take away.

To anyone who’s ever had something taken unfairly —

an opportunity, a title, a voice —

this dish is for you.

Sometimes, the strength that stays quiet

is the strength that lasts.

And love?

Love never asks for an award.

I would love to hear from you.

Have you ever come home to a quiet act of love —

when words weren’t enough?

Stir-Fried Green Beans with Thin Pork Slices

From Chapter 32 – The Name That Disappeared

A quiet dinner. No congratulations. No questions. Just a warm plate and a mother who said: “Come eat, honey.”

Ingredients

– 100g pork loin, belly, or shoulder, thinly sliced

– 200g green beans, trimmed

– 2 garlic cloves, minced

– ½ tsp sugar

– 1 tsp oyster sauce (optional)

– A dash of water

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 1 tsp oil

Instructions

    1.    Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 1–2 minutes. Drain and set aside.

    2.    Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and pork slices. Stir-fry until the pork begins to brown.

    3.    Add the green beans, sugar, oyster sauce (if using), and a splash of water.

    4.    Stir-fry for 2–3 more minutes until the beans are crisp-tender and coated in flavour.

    5.    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To Serve

Serve with hot steamed rice and a small dish of soy sauce with sliced red chilli.

Eat in silence.

Let it speak louder than applause.