“But in this case it means a beer…” she persisted.
“Oh, in this case? This specific case? Our case? Yes, a beer.”
“So, why don’t you just say a beer in the first place, so that everyone can understand you?” asked Ayr.
“Er, we’re exercising out Mother Tongue,” he replied, “you know what they say, ‘use it or lose it”.
“Look, I’ve been exercising mine all afternoon,” he touched the tip of his nose with his tongue while pulling a face that made it look excruciatingly difficult. Soom was smiling behind her hand.
“Put it away,” mock-pleaded Lek, “you know it’s rude to poke your tongue out in Thailand. Sometimes, I think we’re married to a pair of kids, Ayr.”
“I don’t even have to think about it anymore, I know we are.”
“I’m going to practice some more tomorrow and see if I can lick my eye
