FORTY
Thomas invited Eva and Sol to his quarters to eat a takeout dinner of a locally famous oyster vermicelli dish, which was delicious albeit slimy. Jake waved his hellos before making himself scarce to give them some family time.
After they finished eating, Thomas turned the small, outdated television to the local FTV News, but Sol pulled out a heavy math textbook. “Hey,” she said, “you two try to keep it down, okay? I have a practice test to do.”
Thomas smiled and turned the volume down, and Eva joined him on the orange tweed couch. He spoke to her in a low voice. “The BOQ isn’t luxury lodging, but it’s comfortable. How’s your apartment?”
“It’s about the same.” Eva smiled. “You know where I grew up. Compared to that, anything with electricity and a finished floor is luxurious. And
