Karen's father never listened to her. When her college friend, Iris, came home for Thanksgiving to meet her family, Karen's father began to drift away from their conversation as he always did, dismissing both of them. But Iris immediately said, "Mr. Hollins, we're here, please." This awkward call from Iris broke a dark custom between Karen and her father. After a brief and difficult silence, Karen's father said, "Oh, sorry. Yes, where were we?"
Later, Iris said to Karen, "It hurt me to see you so disregarded. Why can't you ask for your turn? He probably won't change, but you don't have to muffle yourself." It had never occurred to Karen to say a word.
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