On Wednesday, I went shopping with my mother and sister. Grocery shopping, that is. And in the car ride to the market, they both tried to talk me into Black Friday shopping once Turkey Day was finished.
“You can get a jump on your Christmas shopping,” Mama said.
Denise was driving and had nothing to say, but she did nod.
“Actually, you know, with money tight right now, I’m thinking I’m going to skip Christmas this year.”
Mama, who sat in the front seat, turned to stare at me in the backseat. “Skip it? You can’t skip it, it comes every year.”
“I know. I just mean the celebration of it.”
“But you’re coming here, right?” She paused. “Unless you move back, of course.”
“No, I’m not coming up to San Jose again. Not that soon.”
“Fabian—”
“Mama,” Denise interrupted. “Don’t pressure him. I
