Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Mansi's avatar

This was such a moving piece, Jeannie. The line that made my heart beat faster was: "I don’t want to be tolerated." That word—tolerated—gah! I've felt it in subtle glances, in long awkward silences, in being invited but not quite included at all the social events hosted by folks from "my Indian community." As someone who's an atheist and a reluctant mom—two identities that often feel misfit in almost all circles—I felt so seen by this story.

I didn’t plan to be a mother. And yet, like you, I love my child with a ferocity that surprises even me. What we expected for ourselves and what we’ve come to cherish is the kind of tension that nobody talks about. So, thank you for giving it language. And for reminding us that kinship can be found in the most unexpected pairings.

Expand full comment
James D. Caldeira's avatar

I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of this short story.

Expand full comment
68 more comments...

No posts