Eat Up: Monica’s the One Who Left Her Plate Unfinished

My own sister has this rather peculiar trait. She simply cannot help but put her child on a pedestal and assumes everyone else should be just as taken with him as she is. But thats honestly not the reality.

Her little one is only five. Theres nothing against him we all care about him as family, of course, but thats really as far as it goes. Weve quite enough on our plates with our own children as it is.

My sister, however, is convinced her daughter is nothing short of extraordinary. Were expected to call him an angel. And, apparently, angels dont do anything wrong so whatever mischief this angel gets up to, we are to forgive without question.

At least, thats her ideal world. Its no wonder that nobody really looks forward to her visiting. Truth be told, popping over to her place is hardly appealing, either. Still, since were not just sisters but colleaguesworking together at the same companyI couldnt avoid her altogether, especially when there was something we had to hash out for work.

Come round, my sister said on the phone. Ill make you your favourite omelette. Well have lunch together.

To be fair, she is an absolute whizz in the kitchen, and her omelette recipe was always a treat.

Ill be there soon, I answered quickly and rang off.

I dashed around, hunting for my car keys, thinking Id stop by the bakery for some tea cakes on the waycant have tea without something sweet! When I arrived, she was already sitting at the table with her child, beckoning for me to join in. I sat down, and as we chatted, she slid a plate towards me:

Eat, she said, nudging a rather sorry-looking bit of omelette across the table. Monica didnt finish it.

I just couldnt help myself:

Have you run out of clean plates? I asked, struggling to keep my composure.

My Monica is the cleanest child in the world. Her hands are always spotless, my sister replied, pulling the little one close, who at that very moment was busy picking his nose.

That was the last straw. I let out a disgruntled huff and decided I wouldnt be having lunch at my sisters house again.

Honestly, what would you do if you were in my shoes?