to his mouth and started to eat. Then I too chose a piece and put it in my

mouth. It felt soft, quite fleshy against my tongue.

 

'Very good,' I said. 'What is it?'

 

'Just fish.'

 

'It's very good.'

 

The three of us ate on in silence. Several minutes went by.

 

'Some more?'

 

'Is there enough?'

 

'There's plenty for all of us.' My father lifted the lid and once more steam

rose up. We all reached forward and helped ourselves.

 

'Here,' I said to my father, 'you have this last piece.'

 

'Thank you.'

 

When we had finished the meal, my father stretched out his arms and yawned with

an air of satisfaction.