15

My Dad called me that afternoon to inform me that Melinda was home.

“Wow, really…that’s good!

That was my reply thinking that will be the only news but my Dad had something more to say.

“Yes Rebecca, is really a great news because your younger sister Melinda is engaged. Yes…she came home wearing an engagement ring, it was one of the biggest news I have waited so long for. I and your mother saw the ring and it is quite expensive and fit in perfectly well on her finger. She said she wanted to surprise us and that was why she did not break the exciting news to us over the phone. Melinda really surprised us with such news. She is still as beautiful, smart and outspoken as ever. I have not met her man yet. She said he will be flying down to see us by next weekend.

The news of Melinda’s engagement came unexpected. As much as I wanted to lift up joyfully for my sister, I also know what the news will mean to me, how some people will begin to see me.

My Dad will remind me of what he usually