"Is this super delicious?" Vanessa asked Tony smilingly.
"Still a-a-alright…" Tony felt his tongue was tangled up, and he couldn't speak properly.
Vanessa's eyes lit up, and she continued, "Then you should have more of it. My uncle and Lola can't have too much of this. I usually eat half of it by myself, which is no fun at all."
"That… that… that…"
"That's right. Go for it." Vanessa picked up the chopsticks, and continued to immerse herself in the grilled fish.
"Let us encourage each other in our endeavors." Abraham lifted his glass at Tony with a touch of sympathy in his eyes.
Tony picked up his mug, and gulped down a big mouthful of ice-cold beer. He didn't feel like talking.
Tony finished this dinner in the midst of pain and enjoyment.