A Visit To The Relatives.docx

A visit to the relatives Ugh, it was that time of the year again where the gloomy weather shattered the sky and my life with dark-grey thundering clouds, hovering for a long time. I had to visit my maternal tattlers and reviling relatives; how I hated their conservative thoughts and would always go in my own deep thoughts during their judgmental conversations. Is being a girl actually a burden? I wonder. I never felt so, my dad has always treated us no less than a princess. Even in today’s modern and equal world, my mother was pounded with taunts of having two daughters. We had no choice but to endure this journey to the place my mom would be bombarded with questions and subjected to mockery, the place where my dreams would be over looked, freedom stolen and considered weak. We always questioned why we still had to go and the set answer was “After all, they are our family.” What augments the torture is dad never joining us.

Suddenly a life changing event occurred. It was a baby shower of my aunt’s third child, who everyone hoped was a boy and thus showered their cordial blessings and wishes. More than anyone, it was my aunt who craved to have a male child so she would be liberated from all the pain coming from the obsolete, redundant opinions of our radical biased society. I sat there, noticing the agony on her face and something twitched in my stomach. My aunt has always understood me and now it was my turn, she told how her heart clutches every she hears this topic among her family; I felt miserable of not being able to help. The house was gaily decorated with butterflies flitting in, alluringly dressed but with grotesque, hidebound notions veiled. The mocking voice of these relatives gossips swirled in the air, burning my hears. My mom greeted everyone pleasantly despite receiving no great attention. I couldn’t ignore the fact that my cousin brother was pampered to fill up his stomach and we girls awaiting food. Sooner, my plans were asked and as I proudly announced I wanted to pursue aeronautical engineering, the crowd was aghast and exchanged meaningful glances. Staring

at my mom in disgust, one of them said, “What have you taught her? She has to learn to manage a house not planes.” “I told you to try for a boy child” “she will spoil your name.” I knew I shouldn’t have spoken, I ran away from the table blinded with tears of fury, my sister following, this time I couldn’t control, I ran faster than their tongues wanting to scratch their eyes out. But I guess, it happened for the best, I don’t have to care my parents believe in me. It was the last time I saw their faces. But who else would understand a female better than the other in this male dominated society?