This story appeared thanks to a chance meeting with the master of ceremonies. He offers his services without turning anything down—whether children’s birthdays, funerals, jubilees… And of course, he officiates weddings. At the restaurant where he works, there are three halls. In one, weddings are held; across the way, tears are shed at the wakes; and on the basement floor, they honor the birthday boy. There’s a common “smoking area” in the yard where joy and grief, life and death mingle. And where people tell stories…