"Eclectic"

“Well, it is…” Carmen is standing in the middle of my living room, lips twitching.

I cross my arms. “Is what?”

“Eclectic?”

I snort. Yep. That’s me making that sound.

“Oh, come on, Amy! Every piece of furniture that’s been given to you is of good quality. You’ll figure out a way to tie it all together. In the meantime, you have a table.” She gestures towards my Christmas tree decorators. Emily, Emile, Tara, and Amir are seated at said table, chatting and snacking on popcorn and Christmas cookies.

I can’t help but smile. They’ve been working hard -- cutting, taping, stringing, painting…

Carmen nods, as if I’d spoken. “See how nice? Your workers would have been sitting on the floor.”

They’re kids. They wouldn’t have cared. I stare at her, hoping to convey how unimpressed I am with her reasoning.

She continues. “Your parents are sweet. I’m glad I got to meet them before they left. And admit it, you were relieved to have your dad’s help with the Christmas lights.”

I heave a sigh. “Yes, they’re sweet, and I was relieved, although I was excited about doing it myself. But I’m beginning to realize that even my family has issues.”

“Why are you surprised? All families do. It’s a fact of life.”

“Is it?” I sound grumpy even to myself.

“Yes, and we love them anyway, just as they love us. Right?” Her turn to cross her arms.

Not feeling it… I mean, I'm grateful. Really, I am.

I was just hoping to hang onto “my mad” a little longer.

She waits.

My parents did drive a long way for me. And true, Dad helped with the lights. A lot. And Mom brought several containers of my favorite meals.

I know they love me. 

I love them, too.

Carmen nudges my shoulder with hers. "Right, Amy?"

Another sigh... Truth.

"Right."




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