In "At the Reunion Buffet" by Alexander McCall Smith, the protagonist reflects on the idea of attending a reunion and comes to the conclusion that it might not be worth the trouble. She views the reunion as an extra source of stress that complicates her life unnecessarily and believes it's better to leave the past behind rather than revisit it. The phrase "we did not need to reheat cold dishes from the past" suggests that the memories tied to those events may be better left undisturbed.

This sentiment highlights the emotional burden that can come with reconnecting with people and memories that may no longer hold the same significance. Instead of finding closure or joy, she perceives the reunion as a potential source of discomfort, indicating a desire to focus on the present rather than reliving old experiences. Ultimately, the idea conveyed is one of valuing current peace and simplicity over the complexities of past relationships.