Chapter Twelve

Ella chuckled and said, 'Oh, grandma, I thought you would scold my sister. But I guess I was mistaken...'

Smiling, I arranged the serving tray and replied, 'Every family has its own traditions, its own peculiar customs that make sense only to them. There's nothing wrong with sharing our tradition with others. As they say, love is about sharing...'

'There's no time for silly talk,' my grandmother interjected, grabbing the teapot. I followed her into the living room as she placed the teapot on the grand dining table, reserved for this special ritual. 'What about your friend?' my grandmother enquired once everyone had taken their seats.

'She had to leave when she received a call from her family,' my mother answered, pulling a chair close to my father's side and leaning back.

'It seems more like a family tradition,' my grandmother mused, her voice resonating with the melodic joy that our Christmas tea tradition brought her.

'Could it be that grandma only wanted her family to be here and didn't want any strangers?' I asked curiously.

My grandmother gazed at me, a smile adorning her face. 'I initially wanted to celebrate this moment with my family alone. But when I heard about your friend's desire to join us, I didn't object. I was willing to share this special occasion with her as well. Now that she has left before we began, I have no choice but to find happiness in our togetherness, right?' She lovingly extended her hand and gently patted my head.

With my dark, long hair cascading over my shoulder and the vibrant red-patterned dress I wore, I exuded liveliness and beauty on this festive day. In fact, I smiled sweetly, resembling a radiant celebrity.

My father turned to his mother and urged, 'Mother, please serve the tea before it gets cold.'