The Silent Words

 “Nich!” Mom shouted as I switched on the tv. “Not again,” I uttered, picking up the plate of choco vanilla cookies. “Can’t you hear?” Dad arrived out of the blue. “Dad, not now. Can’t we do it later?” I munched on the cookies. “You’re leaving tonight! Go and help Mom in packing.” “I don’t understand. What’s the point of giving gifts every single year?” I complained. “There are so many lovely gifts that you've brought. And . . . and, I simply don’t want to give them away. Not all, at least.” “If your gifts can make some people happy, what’s the harm?” “Okay, okay,” I stopped Dad immediately. Gulping the remaining cookies with the glass of milkshake, I switched off the tv and threw the remote on the ground. What if I was a normal child? Like, someone else? I wouldn’t have to b bothered about this ‘gifting season’! Do I get any gifts? NO! Then, why should I gift others? Oh, it’s such a curse to be so rich. “Finally,” Mom looked at me. “Now get me that red dress we brought f