It looks rich and sweet, this ruby-red salmon berry. Aki waits patiently as I photograph it. Blown up in the viewfinder, it looks like a confection covered with syrup. Now the little dog gives me a look that makes me think she wants to share the berry. “Forget about it little poodle.” The berry dampens my fingers when I pluck it from the stem and crunches between my teeth. But it tastes odd, not sweet, like it was doused in insect repellant. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Aki’s smug smile.