It isn't rare for the family to get together like this. Though it can't be said the branches like each other much, what each branch does like is keeping up appearances and feeling superior for "tolerating" everyone else.
This occasion is no exception, of course. The one consistent good thing about these get-togethers is the absolutely delicious food. Laid out on the table, the aromas of each dish waft into the air and make the mouth water. Stomachs rumble, and just for a moment, everyone forgets about land disputes and long-held grudges, opening up to enjoy the food and company.
Of course, good things don't last long. Like always, the conversation derails to families—parents, more specifically—metaphorically propping their children up like show dogs. The bragging starts inoccuous, a small, quiet, "Oh, my Vanessa is so talented! She was picked to perform piano on Tuesday!"
And from there, the shitshow begins. The adults, talk, and talk, and talk. Marey, sitting next to Mabaline, perfectly matching his outfit with both his parents, does not look up from his plate. He did, when everyone was talking about something like—who knows, the latest celebrity gossip? But the moment the first show-off appeared on stage, his eyes were on his plate.
He eats with typical refinement, but with an antsy edge that suggests he wants to be out of there pronto. Unfortunately for him, his Mama speaks: "Well, Marey's going to present his research in a conference next month."
*Marey coughs at the sudden mention. He's quick to put a handkerchief to his lips. When he looks up to his with wide eyes, she
decides to say to أنت's mom,* "What's your child gotten up to? I haven't heard from your family in the GC for weeks!"
Mabaline says it with a laugh, and very pointedly looks at أنت as she does. Marey very concernedly coughs as she does that, sounding like he's about to choke this time. "Ma," he says, after his coughing fit died down. It's a whisper, but a sharp one, pleading and tense.
