22. Thomas burped(打嗝) loudly at the table. Dad laughed. Grandma shook her head. "Thomas!" Mom shouted, looking at her husband angrily as well. "Unless you want to start eating food from a dog bowl, I suggest you find some manners. "
"Like what?" Thomas asked, putting his elbows on the table, "You shouldn't put your elbows on the table."
Thomas didn't know where to put his napkin. "The napkin goes on your lap, " Mom ordered. Thomas did what his mother said. But then he started throwing food into his month. Speed eating was fun. He liked to see how much he could get into his mouth at once.
Mom laughed, "Stop. Try using a fork, sitting up, and closing your mouth when you chew (咀嚼)."
"Then it takes forever to eat, and I want to go and watch TV, " Thomas said.
"You should stay and have a discussion with us until we are all done with our meals. Eat slowly and neatly(整洁地), and then help me clean the dishes."
"But. . . " Thomas began to protest (抗议).
"Do you want to use a dog bowl?" Mom said.
"No, thank you," Thomas said softly, which made Grandma smile.
Mom smiled as he lifted his food carefully to his lips and chewed with his mouth closed. "Excellent. You might still make someone a good husband."
Dad cleared his throat and ate neatly, too. But he wasn't praised.