Derrick rubbed his head and drops of water fell down. "Could have waited for me at least."
He grabbed a bowl and ladle some stew for himself. The stew let out a steady stream of steam. A light fragrance wafted by his nose and his eyes glowed. Sitting down quickly, he wolfed the stew with some rice.
"Slow down," Mom said while patting his back. "There are guests here."
Swallow a mouthful, Derrick was about to reply but choked. He coughed a little before saying, "Sorry. I'll slow down now."
The others started to clear the table and wash the dishes. Plates clanged against it each as everyone joined. Some had suds all the way to their elbow, while others held a towel drying the dishes as they came.
With the combined effort of all of them, they finished quickly. Derrick was still sitting at the table eating his 3rd bowl, so everyone decided to move to the living room to continue talking.
