#this story mostly centers around the line “I forgot you were welsh”

[unravelingwires]

Countrywoman

“I’m not really Indian,” Jaya said. “I mean, I was born in Britain.”

“Obviously,” Max agreed. “You’re not even vegetarian.”

“I’m not really Indian,” Jaya said. “I’ve never even been to India.”

“I understand that, sweetheart, but you have to be understanding to those who don’t really know you.” Mother smiled. “People are very concerned about the immigration problem.”

“I’m not really Indian!” Jaya said.

“Please,” Theodore rolled his eyes, “don’t you pray to elephants?”

“I’m not really Indian,” Jaya said. “Why are they like this?”

“Jaya, what the fuck are you talking about?” Raine asked. 

“I go to church!” Jaya complained. “I’m Odelia Chel’s daughter.”

“Nobility doesn’t cancel out brown skin, Jaya.”

“I’m not really Indian,” Jaya said. “I know, nobody cares, but it’s still true.”

“I don’t think it’s proportional,” Lilith mused. “Being less Indian doesn’t make you more British; it just makes you less Indian.” 

Jaya considered this. “I forgot you’re Welsh.”

“Most people do.”

“I think I want to go to India,” Jaya said. “I mean, after the war is over.”

“I’ll go with you,” Anne said.