A few days after his parents´ arrival from Japan, Mark decided to talk to his mother about Mandy´s visit.

He avoided talking to his mother about any subject, because she seemed to get upset when he did it.

Since an early age he had simplified his life and kept to himself most of the time. Only urgent matters were brought to his parents’ attention, and even so, most of the time through notes or through the maids.

But he realized that Mandy´s wishes were more important than his need of distance from his parents.

He talked to his mother one morning, while she was gathering her things to go to the hospital.

“Mother, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“If it´s quick, then OK. I can´t be late.”

“I just want to inform you that I am going steady with someone.”

“And?”

“Well, she has been my girlfriend for some time now.”

“An