Superstitious Mother, Dangerous Future

After the food was set on the table, my dad and brother dug into their usual opium-based tonics, while I quietly scooped a bowl of rice and sat to the side, not daring to touch any of the other dishes. My mom kept glancing at my dad as if signaling something.

My dad cleared his throat and said, "Your mom found you a boyfriend. You should go ahead and drop out of school."

"What?! No! I'm not quitting. I'm going to school!" I protested in shock. "Dad, I'm just a month away from taking the SAT. I can't drop out now!"

His brow furrowed, and his face darkened instantly. "I said you're quitting, so you're quitting! Why are you talking back? Your mom's doing this for your own good."

"Exactly!" my mom chimed in. "Do you really think we'd steer you wrong? Mr. Smith may be a bit older, but he's steady and knows how to take care of people. Plus, his family's got money from their old property. You marry him, and you're set for life! What's so bad about that?"

"And don't forget," she added quickly, "your brother's about to start high school. There are so many expenses, and Mr. Smith's daughter sends money back every month to help out her brother after getting married. If she can do it, why can't you?"

Dad's tone softened a little. "What's the point of a girl like you going to school anyway? You'll end up getting married either way. Be good to your brother now, and when he grows up and makes something of himself, he'll take care of you. You'll have a family to lean on."

I glanced at my brother, sitting there with chicken grease all over his face as he devoured a drumstick, and couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "By the time he amounts to anything, pigs will be flying. He's not my son-- why should I sacrifice my life and marry someone just to support him? If someone has to marry for money, why don't you two do it? I'm going to school."

"You've really crossed the line!" My dad slammed his utensils down and glared at me. "I raised you, and this is how you repay me? Defying your own parents!"

"That's right!" my mom added, handing my brother a piece of ribs. "Respect your father's decision. It's tradition. Parents decide these things, not you. Now, sweetie, eat more. I know school's been tough on you lately-- you've lost weight from all the stress."

"You're not going to school tomorrow," my dad said with finality. "I'll go myself and take care of the withdrawal. Mr. Smith already gave us the ten grand he promised. He'll be coming over for dinner tomorrow, so you'd better stay put."