KISS (Keep It Simple, Sashannarcy): Amphibia

6: Lunar New Year: Red Envelopes

Hey love bugs,

❗️Breaking the fourth wall❗️

I did a whole lot of research on Lunar New Year, My beta did too, and we crossed reference. Plus I used some personal experience of celebrating in China Town as someone outside of the culture, so, I do lean on Anne and Sasha experience here. I said that to say, if you are of Taiwanese culture and see something inaccurate here, please respectfully tell me. Gratitude.

🌈 Repairing the fourth wall🌈

Don't forget to vote !:) push the ⭐️ at the top or bottom of your screen :)

Enjoy! :)
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January was always very busy for Marcy as xir family would celebrate Lunar New Year. For the last few weeks Marcy helped xir mother clean the house, put out the red lanterns, did the grocery shopping, and helped prepare the food, acts of service is Marcy's love language after all, but xir mother criticized everything xe did. Marcy didn't understand why xir mother insisted on hosting the celebratory feast at the house every year. They could easily go to Chinatown and eat at Marcy's favorite restaurant, then watch the Golden Dragon Parade and fireworks instead.

Mrs. Wu insisted this was the proper way to celebrate and uphold the tradition. Maybe for some families that statement was true, but for Mrs. Wu it was for the praise of having a big house, wealthy husband, and child that's in college. Although, nothing Marcy did was good enough, and Mrs. Wu was still upset that Marcy didn't go to Yale or Harvard, even though xe was accepted. Truth was xe didn't really want to go to college and since Marcy had to go, xe didn't want to live so far away from Sasha. Despite xir mother's feelings Marcy felt that was the best decision xe ever made, because not only does Marcy still have Sasha xe also has Anne.

Marcy looked at the decorations around the house and xe did enjoy the holiday, but the days spent with family were overwhelming, especially with the pressure to interact in an expected way. All Marcy wanted to do was have some time alone, zone out, or regroup. But, xir parents never understood what was so stressful about being around loved ones. It was only Lunar New Year's Eve and Lunar New Year that Marcy had to get through. Not so bad they kept repeating to xemself.

"Marceline, straighten your shoulders and cross your legs."  Xe's mother gestured with her hands displaying a disapproving scowl.

"Yes mommy." Xe took a deep breath while crossing xir legs, which was a bit uncomfortable with how tight the traditional Taiwanese red dress had gotten.

"Smile." Xe's mother drew a smile across her face in the air with her fingers. " It's a happy day, Marceline."

Xe smiled and nodded.  Marcy knew xir mother was right, or at least a day filled with your favorite foods, favorite people, and favorite traditions should be happy. However, Marcy wasn't allowed to only eat the food xe liked. Marcy had to eat the food with unpleasant textures as well,  or be called ungrateful. Marcy wasn't allowed to only interact with xir favorite cousin, but to interact with everyone until xir battery was completely drained. Marcy had to smile through it all because it was a happy day.

Marcy saw xir father walk passed the living room and wanted to say hello since he's been burry in his work today like most days. Mr.Wu  believed the holiday wasn't for slacking. He knew this was time to focus and get his work affairs in order, like everyday before it. He would argue with Marcy's mother that if he didn't work as much they wouldn't have a house to throw these elaborate gatherings every year. Marcy walked swiftly, but not too fast for xir mother to say something.

"Father." Marcy called to xir father's back.

"Not now Marceline." He threw a hand up not even looking at xem. The man went back to focusing on his papers at the dinner table while everyone else chatted in the living room.