Melissa returned home around eight to the welcoming scent of mutton stew.

"Did you make mutton stew today?" she inquired, swapping her shoes for house slippers.

Adorned in her apron and wielding a ladle, Julie beamed.

"I had a bit of luck with the lottery today. With the snow and the chill, I thought some mutton stew would be perfect. I've even added carrots for extra flavor. Make sure to have a little extra."

Carrots.