Eat Up: It Was Monica Who Left Her Plate Unfinished

When I think back, my own sister always had this peculiar trait. She would praise her child beyond measure and somehow believed others ought to share in her experiences and feelings. But, as youd expect, life doesnt work that way.

Her child was only five at the time. Of course, the rest of us cared for himas family doesbut nothing more. We all had plenty going on with our own children.

Yet my sister convinced herself her little girl was some rare, unique gem. We were told to refer to her daughter as an absolute angel. And, seeing as angels apparently never do wrong, everything this angel did was to be immediately forgiven, without question.

At least, that was the way she saw it. Which might explain why no one was particularly keen when she visited. Truth be told, calling on her wasnt exactly comfortable either. Still, we werent just sisters thenwe also worked together, tucked away at the same officeso sometimes we had matters to discuss.

Come round, my sister said one morning over the telephone. Ill whip up your favourite omelette. See you at midday.

To be fair, she was a splendid cook, and her omelettes were truly something.

All right, Ill be there, I replied and rang off.

I scurried about, hunting for my car keys. On the way, I decided Id pop into the bakery and pick up some treatsno proper catch-up goes without a bit of tea and cake, after all. When I arrived, she was at the table feeding her daughter, motioning for me to join them. So I sat down and one thing led to another. Then she said:

Here, eat this, she said, pushing a rather battered-looking plate of omelette towards me. Emily didnt finish it.

That stopped me in my tracks.

Dont you have any clean plates in this house? I asked, barely able to hide my annoyance.

My little Emily is the cleanest girl, my sister replied, pulling her close as the girl sat there, quite unbothered and picking her nose.

That just about did it for me. I made a face and never again went back to my sisters place for lunch.

What would you have done, if you were in my shoes?