Michael's Mistake

Sun Mei could have sworn she could hear crickets chirping in the background as soon as she and Michael greeted each other. Michael, who looked really nice in his checkered shirt and dark pants, looked just as uncomfortable as she felt.

"Come on in!" Sun Mei said immediately, eager to have someone else present to drive the conversation. Yu Zan sounded perfect for the job.

"This is my friend, Yu Zan." Sun Mei introduced them as soon as they entered the kitchen. "And you remember my boss, Mr. Wu..."

Michael, who obviously remembered Mr. Wu, smiled tightly at him after greeting Yu Zan.

"You didn't tell me he looked that good," Yu Zan whispered as Michael and Mr. Wu made polite conversation.

"I did," Sun Mei whispered back in confusion.

"Yes, but you never say bad things about people. I kind of assumed he was ugly and you felt sorry for him. You know, I could handle this problem for you..."

"How?"

"I could keep him for myself."

Sun Mei was about to comment on the absurdity of that suggestion, when she heard what Michael and Mr. Wu were talking about.

"Thank you for driving Sun Mei to the hospital that night. It was late, so it would have been hard for her to find a taxi."

"It was not a big deal," said Michael modestly. "How is your daughter now? Is she okay?"

Mr. Wu smiled. "She has bounced back completely. It's like nothing ever happened."

"That's great!" Michael answered earnestly. "Did she make Sun Mei's birthday cake?"

"Oh, Michael, no…" Sun Mei thought.

Cold sweat ran down her back as everyone in the room went silent.

Unfortunately, Michael did not seem to notice the effect of his words. "Is that a big yolk?" he asked curiously as he pointed at the cake.

"It's a sun," Mr. Wu said coldly.

"Right! That was my second guess. I have to admit, it's pretty decent work for a toddler!"

Sun Mei wished that someone would pinch her. So much embarrassment and awkwardness couldn't possibly fit in one room…

As soon as she had that thought, Vivian and Lily walked into the kitchen.

Vivian took one look at the cake and said, "Is that even edible?"

Michael looked appalled by her rude comment. "That's harsh. I don't agree with her. You did a great job, Lily! That's a beautiful cake!" he told the little girl while bending down to her level.

Lily giggled. "I didn't make the cake. Daddy did!"

Michael paled instantly. "I… I…"

Seconds ticked by, but no one said anything. When it seemed like Michael was about to have a stroke, Yu Zan rushed to his aid.

"I got a tattoo!" she announced loudly.

"What?" said Sun Mei.

"Okay?" Mr. Wu said in confusion.

"I wanna see!" shouted Lily.

"I thought your parents disapproved of tattoos!"

"They don't know!"

"I'd want to know," murmured Vivian.

"I wanna see!"

"Don't get any ideas, Lily!"

While everyone crowded over Yu Zan to look at her tattoo, Sun Mei leaned close to her and whispered, "Thank you!"