- 3.
Thankfully, the doctors said Mikey would be
fine.
His legs would be swollen for a while, and
he’d have to stay in bed, but after a few days
in the hospital, he could go home.
Mom was suddenly happy. “See? I told you he
was fine. You didn’t need to get him checked
out. It’s so expensive!”
Г
Uncle Joe glared at her, and Mom shut her
mouth, muttering, “I’m just saying…”
The doctor glanced at Mikey and me,
frowning. “These kids are too skinny. You
need to feed them something. Give them
more nutrients.”
Mom’s face turned red. “I do! They just take
after me. They can’t gain weight!”
“Are you sure? They’re obviously
malnourished. I don’t know what kind of
parent you are,” the doctor said, shaking his
head, concerned.
“Parents these days…”
After the doctor left, Uncle Joe turned to my
く
mom, his face dark.
Mom started stammering and looked at me to
defend her.
I rushed to Uncle Joe and grabbed his hand.
“Uncle Joe, you don’t understand. Mom gives
us the ‘nutritious vegetable platter‘ every day!
Carrots, greens, cabbage… super nutritious.”
Uncle Joe looked confused.
“What about meat?”
“Meat…”
A wave of sadness washed over me.
I licked my lips, laughed bitterly, and said,
く
“Mom says meat is for people who need it
more. We’re lucky to have vegetables.”
Mom stood nearby, fidgeting. “Meat is for
holidays. Kids shouldn’t eat too much. They
get fatty liver!”
Yeah, kids shouldn’t eat too much meat….. as
if we ever had the chance.
When I was little, I begged for meat, crying.
Mom would buy some, but then she’d give it
away.
“Sweetie, we have to be kind,” she’d say.
“Those people don’t have any food. We’re
lucky to have vegetables.”
But she’d always be around when other
people were eating, conveniently close
く
enough to get invited in. She’d eat until she
was stuffed, then come home and make us
our “nutritious vegetable platter.”
It was so twisted. Giving away our money and
food.
If we weren’t in the hospital, I was sure Uncle
Joe would have slapped her again.
“Oh, I’m so stupid,” Uncle Joe said. “People
always tell me how charitable your mom is,
always giving away meat. I thought you must
have plenty to eat. And your mom always
complains you don’t gain weight! I can’t
believe it. What a disgrace to the family.” He
patted my head, his voice full of sympathy.
I bit back tears. I didn’t blame Uncle Joe. He
worked hard enough as it was, and that he
<
had spent time thinking of us was more than
enough.
