She Who Threw the First Punch

"Hello, Mama," I stood up and looked at the person who birthed me. 

The years had been kind to her. There were a few wrinkles around her eyes and her skin had the same fair glow. What changed was there was a bitterness in her that was like a miasma trying to engulf everyone in its wake. 

I saw how her look swept from head to foot cataloging everything she could see. From my dress and my hair to the way my fingertips were not manicured. She even scrutinized my footwear. Mama's nose wrinkled in disgust when she realized my feet were not pedicured too. 

"Have you gained weight? You look bigger," those were the first words that left her mouth. 

"Tita!"

"Ma!!??"

"Ay, wow!"

Everyone within earshot stopped whatever they were doing to look at me and my mom. The gasps and out-cry of Bree, Emilia, and Vi were enough to call attention.