My Only Shame by Sweeney Ellkin

MY ONLY SHAME

by Sweeney Ellkin

 

I sit in silence at the table, staring at the food before us. Never before have I tasted anything like this, nor have I planned to. I cringe as they lick their chopsticks- that is what they are right? Chopsticks? Anyway, I find it a little disturbing, but I don't want to be rude. I give a little nod to my father, and he returns it with a weak smile. Do I really have to eat this stuff?

 

 

I wish my hair was longer so that I could hide behind it. Maybe then I wouldn't have to face such an odd meal. The father jabbed his chopsticks into the face of a fish, and when he pulled them out a clump of soft meat was on them. "Amy, your favorite." He said, waving them in front of the girl. She actually eats this?

 

 

I look over to see my father nibbling on a hunk of meat, and he seems to be having trouble eating it as well. I just want to go home, and have dinner like we do. With a roast, mashed potatoes. What I wouldn't give for some of that right now. I'm interrupted from my thoughts as I hear a belch that could have ripped the paint right off of the walls. My eyes widen as I look at the man, who quickly explains that by doing so you are thanking the chef. I don't understand, isn't that bad manners? I guess I should try to be polite, but my dad beats me to it by releasing a small burp.

 

Once the meal is finished, we thanked them and left. Honestly, I kind of liked it. I guess I shouldn't have been so quick to judge people just because they were from a different culture.