Jose moved Sinigang–a sour soup, a hearty soup made from tamarind, tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and some vegetable condiments. Small fish or meat are usually added as crunchy toppings to enhance the flavor. With two empty bowls now filled, Jose puts the dirty pot into the sink and brings two bowls of sinigang to the table.

The man looked up. Just above the kitchen was Denis' room, but his boss had yet to come downstairs to start their breakfast. Should the aroma of sinigang awaken Denis' subconscious, or was his pig's sleep growing on him?

"That boy, can he not make me go up and down the stairs for a day?"...