But Nam, did you not see the bird using both hands to rip his food apart? How can he possibly carry a plate and eat? That little pout remains as he peers up at Nam with wide, sad doe eyes.

“So you’re not asking me to dance?”

Perhaps it was too early in the evening for that. Too early for complete softness. Much of their game involves wearing the other’s edges down. Still, he doesn’t want to waste too much time. So, with a dramatic huff, Gaja stands and makes a show of grabbing his place, clutching the dish in both hands.

“Where do you want to go?”