Ita was thankful that he did not pry, and nodded in acknowledgement of his condolences. It was difficult to be polite about such a matter, and she rarely spoke with anyone about it unless they had also lost a parent. It was just easier to talk to someone who had felt that loss. Trying to explain it to someone who hadn't... Well, they couldn't understand, and she did not like how bitter she got toward those who attempted to be sympathetic. It was not a nice side of herself and she knew it.
Smiling warmly, she accepted the compliment with a nod. "Thank you." Shaking her head, though, she had to disagree. "No, I don't think so. I mean, anyone can make food to live off of. It's the pleasure of good cooking that makes living better, just as much as the pleasure of good writing makes living better. Otherwise, we'd just be surviving." With that last bit of wisdom, her preparations for the dish were completed, and she set the oven to preheat. As soon as it was ready, she placed the pan into the oven, and then moved to fill a second sink, this one with soap and water. "Do you have any siblings? I may have asked before, but I've forgotten," she grinned sheepishly.