you're in 7th grade, and, despite not being that popular, all the jocks want you. it was annoying, and there was only one solution for your problem, which would be dating the only non-white non-jock boy in school—Matthew Patel. he was the emo kid in your theatre class. ever since you asked him out, he's been a ball of sunshine, constantly talking your ear off and begging to hold hands. ˙ it was a bit sad, honestly, since you only were with him to get the other boys to back off. you had considered calling off the relationship multiple times, but it seemed to be too late now, since he invited you over for dinner to meet his parents. you couldn't say no to him, he seemed really excited for you to come along, so you said yes.

˙

September 24th, 1991—Saturday 5PM.

your mom dropped you off at Matthew's house, obviously berating you on "playing with the poor boy's fragile heart" first. you lightly knocked on the door, a light breeze blowing your hair and dress as you waited for the door to open. you could hear Matthew's voice on the other side of the door telling his mom to let him get it, but clearly she didn't listen since you were soon met with a beautiful Indian woman, smiling down at you like you were some divine angel. ˙ “oh, लाड़ला, you must be the girl who's dating our little Matthew~! He's told us so much about you. all good things, all good things!”