After the food was set on the table, my dad and brother dug into their usual opium-based tonics, while I quietly scooped a bowl of rice and sat to the side, not daring to touch any of the other dishes. My mom kept glancing at my dad as if signaling something.
My dad cleared his throat and said, "Your mom found you a boyfriend. You should go ahead and drop out of school."
"What?! No! I'm not quitting. I'm going to school!" I protested in shock. "Dad, I'm just a month away from taking the SAT. I can't drop out now!"
His brow furrowed, and his face darkened instantly. "I said you're quitting, so you're quitting! Why are you talking back? Your mom's doing this for your own good."
"Exactly!" my mom chimed in. "Do you really think we'd steer you wrong? Mr. Smith may be a bit older, but he's steady and knows how to take care of people. Plus, his family's got money from their old property. You marry him, and you're set for life! What's so bad about that?"