surprise announcement

It was just before Christmas, and the entire family had gathered at their annual Christmas dinner - uncles, aunts, and cousins coming from all over the country to share their adventures over the past year and the Christmas spirit. As for K., she hadn't seen her parents for the better part of the year, losing touch, and indeed, interest as she took her first tender footsteps into the world of independence and the American Dream. The thing about the American Dream is, it is a jealous dream. It must be your only dream, your all-consuming thought, or else it will never share its fruits with you. It requires a supportive family, but it requires a patient family, one who is not expecting any recognition or return for their love and indulgence. Luckily, K. had just such a group of people waiting for her every time she chose to return home, as she did around the holidays.

K., this time, had introduced her parents to Rodney, who was now sitting beside her at the table, a new and unexpected guest to add to the usual assemblage. Fortunately, the proceedings of the traditional scene at this family's house were stable and robust after so many years to the point where not even the inclusion of the Third Reich into the home could in any way effect the agenda, or even the atmosphere of the gathering. Just after the whole family, 24 people in all, with K. sitting just to the right of Father and to the left of Rodney, sat down to enjoy the food and the providence of another successful year, K. stood up and cleared her throat.

"I have an announcement to make, about Rodney and me," she said confidently. Mother smiled in reflection upon what a strong-willed and assertive youngster she had managed to raise. "Rodney and I love each other very much, and we were married in September, in St. Louis."

The room quickly fell silent, and an air of dejection settled in. Mother's smile inverted into a frown, and she began to aimlessly twist at her escarole with her fork. There was a slight commotion at the far end of the table as Aunt Josephine swooned and collapsed into the arms of her loving husband. K. had already sat down again by this point, but when she noticed the change in mood brought on by her announcement, she turned her head slightly towards Rodney with a look of bewilderment.