Mrs. Sánchez occasionally chimed in, mostly to comment on a relative or acquaintance. Lucía barely spoke. She ate in silence, attentive to everyone’s needs, pouring wine or passing around bread. In this atmosphere, the meal became a chore. The lamb was crispy, but it tasted dry to me. “Miss Joe, what do you do in China?” Suddenly, Mr. Sánchez switched to English, addressing me and breaking the monotony of his conversation.
“I work in the marketing department of an import-export company,” I replied politely, leaving them covered. International trade. A good number of them nodded, though their expressions didn’t change. “The Chinese market has huge demand, but the competition must be fierce, right? Especially for women in management positions.” Their words seemed like casual conversation, but I still sensed that scrutinizing tone. “Yes, it’s challenging,” I replied cautiously. Lucía also worked, but for a short time, Mrs. Sánchez suddenly intervened in a neutral tone, as if she were stating an unimportant fact.
Then came the children, and family became more important. Marcos needs a wife who can provide stability at home. That’s fundamental. Miss Joe, you, who are so independent, do you plan to keep working forever? The question was directed at me, but her glance fell on Lucía, who paused for a moment while cutting the meat. I suppose it depends. Work gives you personal satisfaction and financial independence, which I think are very important for women today.
I smiled, my tone friendly but firm. “Financial independence,” Mr. Sánchez muttered with a hint of disdain. Barely audible. True independence lies in having irreplaceable value and a clear position within the family. “He who grasps at too much, holds nothing.” Marcos said nothing, simply continuing to cut the food on his plate as if he agreed with his father. “By the way, Miss Joe, are you in Spain for tourism or work?” Mrs. Sánchez changed the subject, but her gaze remained inquisitive.
Mainly tourism, and I’m taking the opportunity to see Lucia. Ah, tourism. How nice. To relax, she nodded, and then, as if it were out of the blue, she added, “Last year we were in Asia. In Japan, the service is excellent. We also spent a few days in China, and it was very lively, with very rapid growth, although in some places the tidiness could be improved a bit.” Her words were meant to be an objective observation, but her expression and tone hinted at something more. Lucia’s head bowed even further.
I started to feel my blood boil, but I kept my composure. They were Lucía’s in-laws, her family. I couldn’t put her in an awkward position. Every country has its own culture and its own rhythm. I suppose it’s a matter of getting used to it. I kept smiling and my tone calm. Getting used to something is one thing, but choosing it is another. Mr. Sánchez chimed in, looking at Marcos, but as if he were addressing everyone. Marcos had great vision in deciding to expand the business in Asia. But the most important choice is always the people and the environment around you.
A stable, harmonious family environment that meets expectations is the foundation of success. His words were a direct pressure on Lucía and an indirect one on my presence, which might be disrupting that stability. Finally, Marcos spoke with a surprisingly normal tone. “Dad’s right. Lucía has always tried hard to adapt, and she’s doing well.” “She’s doing well,” like the final assessment of all of Lucía’s effort and attention throughout the day.
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