Relative Strangers

"So when are you getting married?"

A distant uncle is talking to me, but I am miles away from here. I try to zone on, but he goes on.

"It should be about time right? What are you? 27? 28?"

I'm twenty two, but I don't correct him. I just want him to go away. He's not even my uncle, not really. I think he's my mother's sister's neighbor's family friend, or something like that. What does he care? I'm young, single, out of college, enjoying life. Just because I'm home for the holidays and we're throwing a party doesn't mean I need talk to everyone.

"Sherry? You okay?"

"John?"

"Jack," he corrects me.

"Jack. I have a headache. I'm going to get a fresh breath of air."

He leaves me alone and I give a sigh of relief. I walk outside into the brisk night air. It's cold but just warm enough that I don't need a jacket. I see my little sister already outside. She looks up at me when I get closer.

"You too, huh?" she asks, a smile curling on her face.