#I know Melissa/Lucy is half Chinese

[mamadoc]

After getting an anonymous request (and the muse for my other stories apparently taking a prolonged vacation), I decided to throw my hat into the ring and write a post 6x10 story.

I happen to be a Chenford foreverer. I HATED the break up, but since no one consulted me, I guess I have to roll with it like everyone else.

I really hope the writers put a good amount of love and care into Tim and Lucy coming back together.

Here’s my version of events immediately following the elevator scene in 6x10.

Enjoy!

[celebratinglucychen]

Lucy was raised in a Chinese household by two Chinese parents. Even though the surname Walsh has Anglo origins, carriers of Walsh come from various backgrounds and ethnicities through marriage, adoption, immigration, Anglicization of their original last names, etc. So we don’t know canonically if Lucy is fully Chinese, half Chinese+half another Asian, Latino/Asian, whatever. We do know that Patrick Walsh’s identity has no bearing on Lucy's life. Yes, half her genes are his. But genes, as research shows, can be turned on/off/etc through our environment (upbringing), choices (which are influenced by culture), and lifestyle (also influenced by culture).

Lucy’s a Chinese-American who was raised in both worlds because she’s also Californian. Her version of “American culture” is a mix of everything because she's from LA. LA’s multicultural environment means that the "American" part of Lucy contains a significant Asian influence, moreso than someone in a region with a smaller or nonexistent Asian population. In some parts of LA, English isn’t even the primary language; instead, residents speak Spanish, Armenian, Chinese, Arabic, and more. This multiculturalism allows someone to live in America without learning English while still being just as "American" as anybody else.

Melissa’s first language is Cantonese. There are videos of her teaching Eric and Titus how to play games (according to the caption) the Cantonese way. I'd guess that Lucy's first language is also Cantonese. And 100% agree that it’s important to acknowledge and validate the impact her culture has on how she operates in daily life. I think that, despite her not being an immigrant, this influence is still pretty significant although it would play out in her life differently than someone from China. I do think that, when she and Tim were on good terms, that she would've shared it with him.

I'm glad that Anon later on recognized their comment as rude. But I'm not sure they understand how generalizing something as ingrained into Lucy's culture as the Chinese Zodiac into fictional astrology is landing. A quick internet search shows that the Chinese Zodiac dates back to around 280 BC. When you think of how ancient this practice is and how it's still being carried out throughout the world and adopted by many, this tells you that it's way more than folklore. If you take the magic and the mysticism out of it, it's culture, tradition, heritage, and so much more. Then you place the Chinese Zodiac into a context where it's commonly used (Chinese New Year) and it becomes everything about what the New Year symbolizes - hope, growth, a fresh start, family, progress, family, friends. Speaking of progress, I want to give Anon the benefit of doubt in their intent and hope they continue taking steps in the right direction.

so because the show won’t tell you Angela’s baby girl name you’re gonna act like she doesn’t exist ?? lol okay youre just blindly ignoring reality to suit your not real astrological beliefs. Lucy is 10 years younger than Tim. 31ish and 41ish. Deal with it.

I agree Lucy and Tim are 31ish and 41ish in the current season. I’m only disputing what years they were born.

The very first indication of Lucy’s age is in season 1 where she’s 28 which takes place in 2018 and 2019 making her birth year 1990 or 1991. Time starts and moves forward from there. It’s been 3-4 years in the rookie world which would make her 29 come season 4 and turning 31 in season 6.

And to comment on reality… it’s a scripted tv show… not real.