She quickly glanced at my father.
I still remember that look.
My father looked back at her.
For several seconds, neither of them said anything.
Then Mom smiled.
“I’m used to it.”
That was the first time I wondered why she had looked at Dad before answering me.
After that, I started noticing more and more things.
Mom never went into the swimming pool.
Whenever we went to the beach, she always wore a light long-sleeved top.
In family photos, you could almost never see her bare arms.
If someone accidentally touched her left arm, she instinctively pulled away.
And my father…
He also acted strangely whenever the subject came up.
One afternoon, my grandmother said,
“Laura, at least roll up your sleeves. It’s terribly hot.”
My father immediately interrupted.
“Let her wear whatever she wants.”
His voice was sharp.
Everyone went quiet.
I looked at Mom.
She lowered her eyes.
