SUCH A LOVELY FISH!

From where I sat I couldn’t see their faces, but I know from how the little girl addressed them that one was her father, the other was an uncle. But probably not blood-kin, as there was too much real friendship between the men. The one who was the child’s father was clearly the host. Both men were far too busy to pay the little girl much attention.
She didn’t seem to mind. She obviously enjoyed being in the company of two gentlemen, individuals of wit and humour.
And there was food. Delicious fresh food.

"Please, you must have some more. Oh do try this, the garlic eel is exceptional!  Miss, we need more tea!"
Both adults were having a fine time, and so was the little girl. Earlier she had shown her good breeding by allowing her father’s friend first snatch-and-grab at the dishes, but now that the men had both slowed down, and were busier talking than wielding their chopsticks, she was taking full advantage of the situation.  Almost unnoticably the lazy susan in the centre of the table started to turn. Slowly, slowly, ever so slowly…… At last the lovely steamed fish was right in front of her. She looked at the two men. They were deep in conversation. She looked at the fish. Then again at the two men. Back again at the tempting, glistening fish.

Then she deftly stripped the firm remaining flesh from the area near the tail with her chopsticks and transferred it to her own rice bowl. Snatched some of the shredded ginger and scallion, and checked whether the men had noticed. They hadn’t. Using the serving spoon she poured a splash of the cooking juices over her food.
Looked at the other two again.
Oh good, they’re far to busy yakking.
She ate thoughtfully and attentively, savouring the taste of the fish, her lips pursed in concentration as she mooshed it apart in her mouth. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

When she had finished, her dad and the uncle were still gossiping like old hens, totally oblivious to everything else.
Now she increased her boldness exponentially.
With the serving spoon she lifted the head of the fish, and gouged out the cheek with her chopsticks, quickly popping it into her own mouth.
Yes, delicious!

The cheeks and flesh near the tail are the sweetest and most flavourful parts of the fish, and traditionally yielded to guests and older people. As any little girl would properly do.
But if both of them are preoccupied, well, why let these go to waste?
Besides, the uncle had already eaten far too much of the eel.
He’d had his chance, so it was someone else's turn.


When the waitress came to clear the table, both adults were happy as clams, still animatedly in conversation.
There wasn’t enough left of the fish to even think of boxing up.
The little girl was smiling, and looked radiant.
Really, a very nice kid.


I hope that when uncle requites the hospitality, he takes them out for lobster.



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