Women don't run in my family

They duck and hide, disappear even

That's what I think my mother hated so much. I grew up here, in the States.

Their women run


And I grew up knowing I would be independent.It doesn't matter...

"I earn enough to take care of myself" she said quietly

Her mother nodded,"But you gave up your child"

"So I could keep working"

"Back in the China.." the old woman started

Jing Mei took a deep breath."stop..please?I gave him up so I can work,because you..."

"You don't know..you couldn't have known how I felt"

"DO I LOOK STUPID!" Jing Mei screamed

The old woman bit her lip

"I know Mummy. I KNOW! And I couldn't bring a child into this family.Sometimes I wish I could just disappear.." she looked out into the garden

"Then go" her mother said quietly,before going back inside the house