Hamburger

How much does it cost. Four-eighty?

I wish that I could understand more fully how to say “noodle” in spanish. Within a limited vocabulary, I am overly dependent on the conductive properties of individual words.

Later, Edin becomes concerned that I think he is joking. I really do want a hamburger, he says. I know, I say. And Luis too? And Luis too.

We should not be speaking like this.

I thought you thought it was a joke. But who makes jokes about wanting to eat a hamburger? No, I didn’t think it was a joke. I just forgot. I’m sorry I forgot. About the hamburger, and I’m sorry I forgot about the soap.

I do not believe you when you say that you understand me perfectly. I, for one, cannot tell if you are crying or congested.

They want the burgers well done, I tell Big Ed. Good looking? he repeats back. Nice times? All the way, I tell him. All the way.