A Mother's Grievance

"Our son is very sick, and you care more about… about that stupid and meaningless ceremony?!" Tan Jiahu, Ma Boliu's wife, demanded almost hysterically, her eyes bloodshot with the remnants of tears. Yet the response she received from her husband chilled her down to the core.

"Watch your words!" He hissed sharply, glaring daggers at her. "You might not care about our tradition since you're an outsider, but I do! I've been waiting my whole life for this moment, for the opportunity to finally be allowed to share a space with God. So don't you dare run your mouth as you please if you don't want divine retribution to befall you!"

Tan Jiahu couldn't help but bark out a laugh upon hearing that – humorless, bitter, and sardonic. 

She could feel warm tears pouring out of her eyes and washing her cheeks anew. She had been crying so much lately that it wouldn't be a surprise if she went blind one of these days.