As Customs Propose

Nature rejuvenates us, or so it ought to be, but for the boy’s uncle, it appeared differently. Nature had aged him, making him look older than his peers. Perhaps he returned to nature too late. His appearance was truly repulsive, and the sight, scent, and sound could indeed be too readily amalgamated into one memory. The boy remained seated in the car while his father had already stepped outside, embracing his peculiar brother for a prolonged moment. Then he cradled his brother’s head, holding the man’s cheeks in both hands, and kissed his forehead. The kiss resounded loud enough for the boy to hear from within the confines of the closed car. Nevertheless, the boy discerned both genuine happiness and bewilderment on his uncle’s countenance. As if he hadn’t expected them. Perhaps he hadn’t. The uncle gazed at the boy in the car, offering him a smile. Slowly, the boy stepped out.

“Look at him, an old man,” the uncle said, drawing him near. The boy briefly patted his uncle’s back and then tried to ease away from the embrace.

“Let me pour you one,” the uncle insisted, and a sizable jug with golden liquid that glistened temptingly was soon placed on the wobbly wooden table.

“Last year’s,” he said. “Plum. The best yet. Eighteen degrees. It packs a punch, but that’s how it should be. Do you like it?”

The father downed his shot. “Excellent,” he said. The boy downed his shot and repeated after his father, “Excellent.”

“Well, welcome,” the uncle said, and the tired father went to lie down on the old couch.

“Let him,” the uncle said to the boy as the father moved away from the table. “It’s just two of us. How old are you again, twenty-five, twenty-six?”

“Seven,” the boy corrected.

“You’re an old man,” the uncle said. “When are you getting married?”

“When I find someone,” the boy replied.

“Let me sort that out right away. I have a Gypsy girl here, sixteen, a good catch, still a virgin.”

“I’m tired from the drive,” the boy tried to avoid the uncomfortable conversation.

“Just one more shot before bed,” the uncle insisted. “How is it?”

“Excellent” – said the boy and stormed to the guest room where his father was fast asleep.