One of his customers once told Mr. Fun

about a household machine

that could press thoughts into waves of dots,

then be read and understood by anyone

willing to learn this new language.

Mr. Fun described it to his family one night eating dinner.

“There is a machine for everything nowadays,” Mrs. Fun said.

Little Weng stood up from the table,

“One day I will be rich enough to buy Dad this machine

so he can learn the language of dots.”

“But you are already the richest person in China,”

said Mrs. Fun wisely.

“I mean with money,” Weng said. “I’m going to be the first
person in our family to attend university. Then after years of
hard work, will provide a life of comfort for you and dad—
no more bok choy, no more celery—
farewell, bitter melon.”

“That’s such good news,” his mother said.

“But first step: finish noodles.”