When the water dropped, last year's sunken pole rack surfaced, and the child who fished it out asked for a full tael of silver. I paid it without haggling. Few mouths in this city know the true price of something that isn't theirs.

• DuangThat kid spent the whole day going around the market telling everyone to call him my teacher. One tael, and look what it's done.
  ChantaraTeach him well. A mouth that knows the price is worth more in three years.
• Om BuaMy lady, you're quick enough to pay a stranger's child, but you haven't settled your own meals in three days.
  ChantaraHow's anyone supposed to eat with you standing in the kitchen holding a scale?