Marigold knew better than to mention it. “Why’d you say that?” she asked.
“Say what?”
“That you were going to see family.”
“Oh. It’s easier than explaining that I’m going to the wedding of my friend’s son.”
“Areyou going to see family?”
Helen didn’t hear. Her arm was gradually returning to normal as she fiddled with her safety belt. “This is so aggravating. How do you close the buckle?”
Marigold clipped the belt in place for her mother. “Are you going to see family when we get there?” she tried again.
“I don’t have family in Hong Kong anymore. I’ve told you this.”
“I’m just worried. You were in the restroom a long time. You know if you’re not feeling well you can talk to me.”
“You’re a medical student, Marigold, not my doctor. I’m fine.”
Marigold pressed her lips tight. Helen was not fine, but pestering her would do no good. Her stubborn mother would never acknowledge her mysterious departures, and for the sake of peace between them, Marigold had given up trying to ask.
“There’s two movie showings on the flight. An American film and a Cantonese one.Superman’s supposed to be good.” Marigold’s smile wobbled. “It’s got that actor Rosie has a crush on, Christopher Reeve.”
“I don’t like American movies.”
“I can translate for you.”
Helen ignored the offer. “What’s the Cantonese one?”
“The Young Master.”
“With Jackie Chan?” Helen screwed up her face. “He’s not so handsome.”
“I like him. He’s funny.” Marigold placed her backpack under the seat in front of her. “We can watch it together.”
Helen raised a skeptical eyebrow. “You’re not going to study.”
Marigold couldn’t tell whether that was a question or accusation. “I didn’t bring any textbooks,” she replied. “This is a vacation for both of us.”
Helen crossed her arms, not believing her for a second. “You should’ve gotten seats closer to the front,” she then said. “The smoke’s not good for you.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“You were coughing earlier.”
“I had a tickle in my throat.”
“Don’t lie.” Helen gazed at the dark canoes anchored under her daughter’s eyes, then at the coffee stains on Marigold’s white gloves. “Why did you drop out of school?” she asked abruptly.
“I told you already, I didn’t drop out. I’m on a leave of absence.”
“Did you flunk your classes?”
“What? No.”
“Then it was because of the boy.”
Marigold’s breath hitched. Theboy.She hadn’t spoken his name aloud in nearly two years. “No, it’s—”
