The family meals became another small battlefield. Mother Yan worried
that Yan did not eat enough when she was busy, and Yan insisted that she
was fine. Bai, who often forgot meals herself whenever a repair caught
her attention, unexpectedly sided with Mother Yan.
"She needs to eat," Bai said one afternoon when Yan tried to carry her
bowl away unfinished.
Yan turned slowly. "You told me yesterday that I could finish later."
"Yesterday you were checking the water lines. Today you're sitting down.
There's no reason not to eat."
"You are changing the rules whenever it's convenient."
"The rules are based on the situation."
Mother Yan nodded as though Bai had made an excellent argument.
"Exactly. Eat first, then finish your work."
Yan looked between them. "You have formed an alliance."
"A very sensible one," Bai said.
"Against me."
"For your health."
Yan looked at the two women for another moment, then sat down and picked
up her chopsticks. "Traitors. Both of you."
