"Daphne does speak Mandarin," Tubby said to Mrs. Xin. "Doesn't she?"

"Of course, dear," said Mrs. Xin.

Tubby grabbed Mrs. Xin's forearm and dug in her fingertips. "Don't talk to me like one of your walking dildos. I can still do path integrals without looking at a book."

Mrs. Xin gave Tubby a stern look and removed Tubby's hand from her arm. "Then don't bully me like I was one of your students. What is wrong with you?"

Tubby slumped back in her chair and picked at one of the itchier spots on her scalp. "I get worried," she said. "Everybody here forgets things, or remembers things that never happened. Why should I be any different?"

"Well, you don't have to worry about Daphne. Her Mandarin is exquisite."

"You're not just saying that to shut me up?"

"Of course I am, dear," said Mrs. Xin. "But it's true."