So, it turns out that the swimming plan has to be shelved for now because my legs are weak. After honestly critiquing the food, I find myself sitting like a sad puppy in front of Yu's parents, who have just invited me to dinner. It's an indescribable situation-sitting at the table in a bathrobe with a bikini underneath, being stared at bitterly by Yu's dad.
No one knows what Yu and I are to each other yet. I can't even imagine what would happen if they found out.
Being me isn't easy.
The ticking of the wall clock in the dining room is annoyingly loud. No one moves because the atmosphere is so tense. Yu's father, sitting at the head of the table, twitches his index finger and clears his throat, nodding toward the food.
"Why is everyone so quiet? Let's eat."
No one responds, but everyone starts moving as if given permission to act normally. Trying to please Yu's father, I reach for the serving spoon to scoop some soup that I'd critiqued earlier, but I'm interrupted by a cough.
"Is that a good idea?"
"Huh?"
Everyone looks at me with sympathy, especially Yu, who reaches out to touch my thigh, unsure how to help.
"It's not tasty."
The sarcastic comment makes me want to cry, but what can I do? If I put the spoon down abruptly, it'd be like admitting that it's true.
"At that time, my taste buds were a bit off. Now they're back to normal, so I thought I'd try it again to be sure."
"It won't be much different."
Yu's father says, inspecting his nails and pursing his lips like a child.
"It'll taste like it was used to wash someone's bald head."
Gulp...
"But have you ever drunk that? What does it taste like? Tell me."
"Dad..."
Yu quickly interjects to save the situation, but her father glares at her disapprovingly.
"Stop"
Alright, I've been cornered this far, so I might as well go all the way. Whatever he asks, I'll answer because it seems like Yu's father won't back down easily. If I give up, it'll be too humiliating for me. Since I've been bold from the start, I should see it through to the end.
"It's an imaginary water. Describing it that way gives a clearer picture... Imagine the scalp is full of pores, and without hair covering it, sweat makes it smell. After a day in the sun, it becomes greasy and moderately salty."
"...."
"When water splashes on the head, the grease on the scalp mixed with a bit of sweat would give a salty taste. Your soup gives that feeling. It's bland and greasy, with a salty sweat taste like under- seasoned fish sauce. And yes..."
"...."
"It's not tasty."
Yu squeezes my thigh tightly and takes a deep breath. This woman is never afraid of anything and always fights with a smile. But today, she looks like she's seen a ghost, filled with despair and hopelessness. It's like her spirit is leaving her body, and I can't tell if she's going to heaven or hell.
At which one will we meet again?
Yu's mother, sitting next to her husband, drinks water nervously in this tense situation. Yu's father looks at me and nods slowly.
"Since I was born..."
"...."
"No one has ever spoken to me like this. What kind of family raised you? Why are you so..."
