Jason looks and sees Robby, who was the frat's favourite fat boy before Jason came along, among those chowing down on a Saturday breakfast. Jason smiles in anticipation, and strides into the serving area where a grandmotherly cook looks at him and smiles.

"Ciao, bello," she greets him in Italian, her hands poised above the serving trays. "Breakfast? Hungry? Here, try this," she says, offering up a plateful of rich breakfast strata, with a half dozen sausages beside it.

"Oh yes!" remarks Jason, his mouth watering. "Grazie!" He slathers peanut butter on a half dozen pieces of toast as well, takes a soup bowl and fills it with fruit, pouring a liter of yoghurt over the top, then grabs a tall glass of juice before heading to the tables. "I'll be back," he calls over his shoulder, and the server replies, "Bueno!" and smiles at him.

Jason takes a seat ...