Family but Strangers

By Tiffany

“My childhood dream was to be a boxer, but then in freshman year I realized I want to do something else instead of putting my life in danger. I don't want my face to get beat up.”

Tiffany: If this is our last conversation, is there anything you'd like to say to me?

Stanley: Where are all the things you stole from me?

Tiffany: What do you mean? It's called borrowing! Actually no, your thing is mine in the future, and now. Forever mine.

Stanley: And where is it?

Tiffany: Somewhere. In the room.

Okay. I know you guys are confused, but just keep on listening, and see what's going on next.

Tiffany: Please tell me your full name.

Stanley: Stanley Chin.

Tiffany: So, this is an interview? about what though?

Tiffany: When and where were you born?

Stanley: 1998, January 21st, in China.

Tiffany: What's your childhood dream, and what changed?

Stanley: To be a teacher. And it's still that.

Tiffany: Why did you want to be a teacher?

Stanley: Because it looked fun.

Tiffany: Oh, really? Huh? Wait, then if I was wondering what was my childhood dream, then let me tell you this.

My childhood dream was to be a boxer, but then in freshman year I realized I want to do something else instead of putting my life in danger. I don't want my face to get beat up.

Great. Now let's keep on tuning in.

Tiffany: When in life, have you felt the most alone?

Stanley: Probably back in middle school.

Tiffany: Why.

Stanley: Mm, I lost contact with some friends, I wasn't making some new friends there, and, it was generally boring.

Tiffany: I see. That's what my year was like in sixth grade.

What's your favorite memories of me?

You better think hard!

And I don't take no for an answer.

Stanley: We had McDonalds when you were born [both laugh].

Tiffany: Dude, that’s ridiculous! That's ridiculous. That’s ridiculous.

How well do think you know me?

Stanley: …kinda well.

Tiffany: [gasps] We've been living together forever, and you're telling me, kinda well?!

Stanley: I know! You're a mystery [both laugh].

Tiffany: How would you describe my personality?

Stanley: Fickle?

Tiffany: And what do you mean by mystery? Hmm?

Stanley: You do things that make no sense.

Tiffany: Okay, so that means, okay. Okay. I follow my feelings. That's what. I don't think before I do something. That's what?

Stanley: Mm-hmm.

Tiffany: But that's not a mystery at all! I'm just eccentric.

Stanley: Same difference.

Tiffany: Okay, besides mystery, what else would you describe me?

Stanley: Whimsical.

Tiffany: How?

Stanley: You do things at your own pace a lot of times.

Tiffany: Oh, and you're too care, you're too laid back.

Okay, will you say I'm outgoing, introvert, outrovert, or what? Shy, caring or what?

Stanley: IDK.

Tiffany: How do you not know?

Stanley: I don't see you at school.

Tiffany: How about at home? You see me every single day at home.

Stanley: No comment.

Tiffany: Well, I was very surprised at what my brother said about me and, overall, it was just very surprising, but… he's still the best brother I could ask for. And, I wouldn't change anyone in his position, because not only is he tolerant, he takes care of me in his own way. And I, and even if though, he doesn't show it, he actually care about me, because he always played with me and he let me bother him.

Tiffany: What's one wish that you wish to do as a family?

Stanley: Um, I like to go on another family vacation again.

Tiffany: With all four of us? Or three of us?

Stanley: All four of us. Cause it's usually you, me, and Mom. Dad usually doesn't come along, except that one time, but I want to try it again.

Tiffany: You and I all have the same wish! Congrats! I guess that will happen when they retire?

Stanley: [laughs]

Tiffany: I mean, we could try talking to them about it.

Through this interview, I learned more about him. And, I'm thankful that he actually shared his own thoughts with me for once. And also, I now realize that he and me, are very similar.