The Lucky Elephant Restaurant

Sunday, October 18
Chapter 11

AFTER WRITING AND passing his referee’s examination, the newly qualified Lane drove west on Memorial Drive. He was first in line at the traffic lights more times than not. The sun shone just above the mountains in a blue sky. He caught glimpses of the river shimmering on his left. Orange and yellow leaves covered the banks and pathways. A few joggers and cyclists pursued their dinnertime workouts along the river.

After listening to Lane summarize the evidence, Arthur had said one thing last night that bothered Lane that next day. “You may never be able to prove it, but that’s not the worst of it. If you’re right, then Cole is a witness.”

He looked left at Chinatown, then glanced at the clock. I’ll be home by seven, he thought and continued along the north side of the river.

Seven o’clock, Uncle Tran said seven, Jay thought. He found a parking spot on the south side of the river, locked the car, and walked the rest of the way to the restaurant. Tony waved when Jay entered the door. There was a seat next to Tony’s mother. It was across the table from Rosie and her father. Jay dodged toddlers who ran by as he wove his way around and

between tables. He glanced up at the jade elephant before sitting down. Uncle Tran nodded at him from the next table.

“Glad you made it,” Tony said.

His mother smiled. “Hello, Jay.”

Jay offered his hand. She shook it with gentle affection. “You, good boy.” She turned to Tony and said something in Vietnamese.

“She says she wishes she knew more English,” Tony said.

“I wish I knew more Vietnamese.” Jay picked up a menu to hide behind, before he glanced across the table.

“Hi. This is my father, Hieng.” Rosie wore a white blouse and a gold chain around her neck.

“Hello,” Jay said, while thinking that Hieng must be close to sixty years old.

Hieng nodded at Jay.

Jay nodded back.

“My father is glad to meet you.” Rosie used her elbow to jab her father in the ribs. Hieng smiled obediently. The waiter arrived as soon as Jay set his menu down. He took a look around the restaurant and counted four empty chairs.

Food orders came and went. The air filled with the scent of noodles, chicken, beef, peanut sauce, peppers, ginger, curry, and salt.

“My Mom says you’re our guest today,” Tony said.

“Shouldn’t I be paying?” Jay asked before remembering he only had enough money for some gas and one meal a day until payday. He had been dreaming about tonight’s satay soup while studying in the university library.

Tony ignored his friend’s offer. “On a day like today, all of the money is put into an account. If anyone here has to make an emergency trip to Vietnam, then this money is used.”

“I should… ” Jay began.

Rosie said, “Auntie is very stubborn. Just smile. Say thank you.”

“Thank you,” Jay said.

Tony’s mother said something to her son. Tony said, “My mom asks why are you turning red?”

Who knows, Jay thought. Their orders arrived before he could be expected to answer.

He hardly looked up from the bowl. Jay used chopsticks to gather up noodles and fill his mouth.

The clatter of conversation and eating died away to a murmur. Jay looked up from what was left of his soup. A noodle reached from his lower lip to the bowl.

Tony’s mother smiled at Jay when he slurped up the noodle and wiped his chin with a napkin.

Rosie giggled.

Jay looked left.

Uncle Tran was standing right next to him.

Uncle Tran put his arm on Jay’s shoulder.

The restaurant was silent except for the voice of a toddler who said, “How are you? How ARE you! How are YOU!”

Even though he was sitting and Tran standing, Jay and Uncle Tran were nearly eye to eye.

Tran put a jeweller’s box in front of Jay.

Jay looked at Tony for help.

“Open it,” Tony said.

Jay found himself unable to speak. His fingers fumbled to open the box. In between two layers of white cotton, he saw a gold elephant on a gold chain.

Tony said, “Uncle Tran wants me to explain because you’re my friend and you have watched out for me, treated me like an equal. If you put the elephant on, it means you’ve accepted us, all of us, as your family. In one way or another, we’re all orphans, and you’re being invited to join this family.”

Jay’s fingers fumbled with the clasp. He dropped the chain. Panic gripped him. Even the children were quiet now. Jay shoved his chair back, fighting the urge to run.

He glanced at Rosie who glared at him.

Jay picked up the chain.

His fingers refused to work.

There was the soft touch of a woman’s hand on his. Jay looked up into the face of Tony’s mother. He recognized the emotions of grief and love. She took the chain and opened the clasp. He felt the cold of the chain at his throat, and the warmth of her hands at the back of his neck. She closed the link then rested her hands on his shoulders.

Jay used his right hand to touch the elephant at his throat.

“You’re family now,” Tony said.