scruta

[Ferret is sitting at a take-out burrito joint, enjoying a meal at the small counter for patrons who just can’t wait to take their food home. Two Chinese Girls walk in, chattering. They walk up to the Waitress and order.]

Chinese Girl #1

你好。

Hello.

Waitress

你好。

Hello.

Chinese Girl #1

我们要买那个蜂蜜酸奶。是多少钱的呀？

We want to buy the yogurt with honey. How much is it?

Waitress

八块钱一杯。

Eight kuai a cup.

Chinese Girl #1

好啦。两杯。

Okay, two cups.

[The Waitress walks over the the refrigerator and takes out two cups, which she then begins to fill with honey. The Chinese Girls begin to talk quickly, and Ferret loses interest as the conversation exceeds his concentration and understanding. Something about school. He figures they probably go to the music college nearby. Due to hunger and the deliciousness of the burrito, he loses himself eating. He lets out a cough while clearing his throat. The Chinese Girls stop talking and notice him sitting there for the first time. Chinese Girl #1 and Ferret exchange a glance. Ferret returns to eating his burrito.]

Chinese Girl #1

[to Chinese Girl #2]

他很帅。

He’s good looking.

Ferret

你觉得吗？

You think so?

[There is dead silence. The Chinese Girls give Ferret a look as if he’s made disparaging remarks about a relative. The Waitress is silent, too. Awkwardness floods the room. Ferret has no idea what to do to alleviate the situation.]

Ferret

不好意思

Excuse me.

Chinese Girl #1

[turning her back to Ferret, towards Chinese Girl #2, whispering:]

他会说。

He can speak [Chinese].