We continued calm:
I don’t mind someone having a different taste in food. But I’m mindful of disrespect. Today no one said “thank you.” Instead, I’ve only heard what’s not good enough.
The mother-in-law tried to interrupt me.
— You’re Exaggerating…
– No, Mrs. Rodica. If the food is so poor, next time I kindly invite you to organize your party. I will come as a guest and I promise I will not criticize anything.
At the table there was a heavy silence.
Aunt Mary was the first to speak.
Elena is right. We came, we sat down and ate. We didn’t even think about how hard he worked.
Uncle Ion agreed.
The steak is very good. And if she wasn’t perfect, it’s still worth the appreciation for the effort.
Sergiu slowly got up.
He came beside me.
I am so sorry.
I watched him without saying anything.
He then turned to everyone at the table.
“Mother, Irina… Elena did everything by herself. I should have thanked him first, not shut up when she was criticized.
The mother-in-law was a few moments speechless.
Finally he said softly:
If I hurt you, I apologize.
She didn’t seem fully convinced, but it was the first time she apologised.
The rest of the series was completely different.
For the first time, the guests got up from the table and started collecting the plates without asking them.
