The Kiss Quotient

Michael walks back to the shop, thinking about how much he likes Stella and how her respect for him inspired him to accept her offer even when he thinks he shouldn’t. His mother follows him around the shop, musing about Stella and his past, failed relationships. His grandmother, Ngoại joins the conversation, approving of Stella. Michael becomes embarrassed and distressed when the conversation turns to marriage. That night, Stella arrives at Michael’s mother’s home with flowers and chocolate, having anxiously researched Vietnamese etiquette. She reminds herself of the socialization training she has received, then approaches the house. Michael lets her in, and she helps Mẹ peal mangos as Michael begins to cook. Janie, Michael’s sister, plays piano in the other room and Stella notes it is out of tune, which leads Mẹ to say her husband used to tune it. Michael interjects as Stella starts to question where Mẹ’s husband is, and Michael’s grandmother joins in mango pealing. Stella meets Janie, then warns Mẹ about the dangers of microwaving plastic. Two more girls join the family, arguing loudly about clothing, and Ngoại turns up the television in response. Stella is increasingly overwhelmed by the noise as the conversation turns to Mẹ’s cancer treatments.