Cracking façade
When one of the younger nephews yelled, “Auntie, why do you dress so funny?” my calm exterior started to crumble. As soon as his comments reverberated throughout the room, I became the center of attention. Everyone at the table started laughing, and I could feel their eyes on me. Sandra’s piercing eyes pierced the laughter, eager to take advantage of this fresh chance to make fun of me. I felt vulnerable when I lost control.
Cracking Façade
Laughter erupted
His statements were made more painful by the laughter that erupted around the table. It sounded like nails on a blackboard as my in-laws laughed. The laughing seemed to go on forever, and my cheeks burned. Every chuckle and laugh served as a reminder that I was the entertainment for the evening, an outsider to be made fun of. As waves of shame swept over me, I tightened my fists beneath the table and tried to maintain my cool.
Laughter Erupted
