I'm Just an Outsider in My Mother's Home
During the holidays, I specifically go home to spend quality time with my family.
Mom brings out a bowl of persimmons and says in a half-teasing manner, "This is for the Sherman family. Once you eat a persimmon, you'll be blessed with good luck. Outsiders aren't allowed to take from this bowl."
Everyone begins fighting for the persimmons. I decide to grab one for myself as well.
The next thing I know, the living room goes eerily silent. Dad drags me to the corner before he starts berating me.
"You didn't get to eat any fruits when you were living with your in-laws, huh? Must you steal from our family?
"Didn't you hear your mother saying that outsiders aren't allowed to take from the bowl? So why did you still take one?
"Because of you, Vivian doesn't get anything at all!"
I look around my surroundings.
It turns out there are only eight persimmons when in reality, there are nine of us in the living room. Mom has been hinting at me the whole time that I'm the actual outsider here.
So, I pass the persimmon to Vivian Andrews, my parents' goddaughter. Then, I dial my husband's phone number.
"Kevin, there's no need to bring the holiday gifts over."