“Have you told your parents?” she asked, toying with the straw in her milkshake.
He shook his head. “Not yet.”
She sighed. “How long are you going to keep putting it off?”
“I promise, I will tell them—when the time’s right.”
“And when will that be?”
“I don’t know. My parents are old fashioned…”
“So, they won’t accept me because I’m Japanese. I’m American too.”
“They’re not racist, it’s just…”
“It’s just what?”
“They don’t believe in races mixing.”
“That’s racist.”
“Look, today’s the Fourth of July. Let’s just celebrate.”
She stood up. “You can celebrate. I’m leaving.”
“Tomika!”
100 Words
This was written for the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields For more details, visit Here. To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit Here.
I wish everyone in America and Americans living abroad a Happy Fourth of July!
Notes to Women 
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I hope they manage to repair the rift. Good story.
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Hopefully, he will do what he needs to do. Thanks, Linda 🙂
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Oh, I hope they can work it out if it’s true love…
My take on this week’s challenge: https://dbmcnicol.com/friday-fictioneers-declaration/
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I hope he will do the right thing.
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Dear Adele,
We had a Japanese daughter in law. When the marriage broke up it broke my heart. Sadly she turned out to be unfaithful…had nothing to do with race. Hopefully he’ll find the courage before it’s too late. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I’m sorry to hear about your daughter-in-law and how heartbroken you were about the broken marriage. It must have been devastating for your son too. And you’re right, some things have nothing to do with race. Hopefully, Ben will do what he needs to do to save his relationship with Tamiko. Thanks 🙂
Shalom,
Adele
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Lots of non-racists kids have to put up with the racism of their parents. Either the parents learn to accept who their child loves, or they will lose their child. Hoping the parents wise up, and I hope Ben grows a spine soon.
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You’re right. I too hope that the parents wise up but whether they do or not, Ben needs to do the right thing.
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My son is dating a Lebanese girl whose parents have no clue as they are zero tolerant of her dating outside of the Muslim faith (which she doesn’t practice…) It is a sad situation.
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That’s very sad. What a terrible burden for her to have to hide her relationship from her parents. My heart goes out to her and your son because it has to be very difficult for him too. He’s truly blessed to have parents like your husband and you.
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He has just me as I’m a widow and I feel awful for them both. In this day and age, this is ridiculous…
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Oh, Dale. I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize that you’re a widow. Yes, it must be hard for you seeing them go through this and you’re right, it is ridiculous.
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No worries, Adele. It’s already been 4.5 years. Not always easy but one of them thar things… Life and its challenges!
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You’re a real trooper, Dale 🙂 You have such a great attitude towards and outlook on life and its ups and downs.
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Thanks! The stories I could tell…
Oh wait. I have told lots of them! 😉
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You’re welcome 🙂 And you have told some incredible stories. I always look forward to reading them.
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You are so sweet to say that!
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It’s true 🙂
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Blushing…
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LOL
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The parent’s intolerance should make them all the more determined to stick together. A story many will relate to I’m sure.
My tale – The Flag
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You’re right, Keith. It should drive them closer not apart. Yes, many can relate to this.
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I thought the USA was one big melting pot. Perhaps the different flavours just don’t micx.
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I thought so too. Oh, well.
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Tomika got her freedom on the the 4th of July too.
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In a matter of speaking unless, he does right by her.
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This is a story that plays out too frequently in many areas. How to break the news to the parents whom the child knows are going to be upset. Not an easy situation for that child knowing that there’s the possibility of being estranged from his parents *or* disappointing the girl he loves. If Tomika is so quick to walk away now, will she be strong enough for worse situations in the future because rarely does life only offer one major hurdle.
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You’ve made some very good points, Sascha. This is a difficult situation for him.
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Sadly, this happens often in life. It happened to me when I took my first serious (and I am talking about marriage serious) girlfriend to my house.
Enjoyed the micro story.
Have a great weekend.
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Yes, it does. Wow, you came close to walking down the aisle. I’m sorry this happened to you. I’m happy you enjoyed the story.
You have yourself a great weekend too 🙂
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Thanks. Stay inspired.
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You’re welcome. And thanks 🙂
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