Chapter 3

3

Thankfully, the doctors said Mikey would be fine.

His legs would be swollen for a while, and he'd have to stay in bed, but after a few days in the hospital, he could go home.

Mom was suddenly happy. "See? I told you he was fine. You didn't need to get him checked out. It's so expensive!"

Uncle Joe glared at her, and Mom shut her mouth, muttering, "I'm just saying..."

The doctor glanced at Mikey and me, frowning. "These kids are too skinny. You need to feed them something. Give them more nutrients."

Mom's face turned red. "I do! They just take after me. They can't gain weight!"

"Are you sure? They're obviously malnourished. I don't know what kind of parent you are," the doctor said, shaking his head, concerned.

"Parents these days..."

After the doctor left, Uncle Joe turned to my mom, his face dark.

Mom started stammering and looked at me to defend her.

I rushed to Uncle Joe and grabbed his hand.

"Uncle Joe, you don't understand. Mom gives us the 'nutritious vegetable platter' every day! Carrots, greens, cabbage… super nutritious."

Uncle Joe looked confused.

"What about meat?"

"Meat..."

A wave of sadness washed over me.

I licked my lips, laughed bitterly, and said, "Mom says meat is for people who need it more. We're lucky to have vegetables."

Mom stood nearby, fidgeting. "Meat is for holidays. Kids shouldn't eat too much. They get fatty liver!"

Yeah, kids shouldn't eat too much meat… as if we ever had the chance.

When I was little, I begged for meat, crying. Mom would buy some, but then she'd give it away.

"Sweetie, we have to be kind," she'd say. "Those people don't have any food. We're lucky to have vegetables."

But she'd always be around when other people were eating, conveniently close enough to get invited in. She'd eat until she was stuffed, then come home and make us our "nutritious vegetable platter."

It was so twisted. Giving away our money and food.

If we weren't in the hospital, I was sure Uncle Joe would have slapped her again.

"Oh, I'm so stupid," Uncle Joe said. "People always tell me how charitable your mom is, always giving away meat. I thought you must have plenty to eat. And your mom always complains you don't gain weight! I can't believe it. What a disgrace to the family." He patted my head, his voice full of sympathy.

I bit back tears. I didn't blame Uncle Joe. He worked hard enough as it was, and that he had spent time thinking of us was more than enough.