Sitting alone at a restaurant, a young man waits an hour early for a date while a friend teases him. He explains their history: when they met she was nine and he thirteen; both lost relatives, he locked himself in the attic and refused food until 'Madam' sent someone to fetch him. She remains picky—asking for JoyLuck in Amon City—while his late brother once had Chef Calvin cook at home. He admits she avoids and uses him, yet wants her to depend on him. His friend urges, "Just confess." Then someone calls: "Mike!"