“When did you get back?”
“Last night, Dad. I stayed with Lek so as not to disturb you. We went to the Wat this morning. You remember Lek, don’t you?”
He nodded. “I’m not mental. She lives with that foreigner. They say he’s all right, but can’t speak our language. They say he makes real howlers, but they say he’s all right. I’ve never met him. Do you have a foreign friend too?”
“No, Dad. Still single. Footloose and fancy-free. No time for boyfriends or husbands...”
“No babies then? Your brothers have both given me grandchildren...”
“No, Dad, no children. No time for them either, but you have others. Aren’t they enough for you? Maybe they’ll have more in time.”
When the meal was ready, Goong served the majority to her father and a little to Lek and herself. When they had finished, Goon
