On the third day after someone dies, the soul comes back to settle scores. In my mother's case, this would be the first day of the lunar new year. And because it is the new year, all debts must be paid, or disaster and misfortune will follow.
Amy TanSecrets are kept from children, a lid on top of the soup kettle, so they do not boil over with too much truth.
Amy TanI thought I was clever enough to write as well as these people and I didn't realize that there is something called originality and your own voice.
Amy TanA girl is like a young tree, she said. You must stand tall and listen to your mother standing next to you. That is the only way to grow strong and straight. But if you bend to listen to other people, you will grow crooked and weak. You will fall to the ground with the first strong wind. And then you will be like a weed, growing wild in any direction, running along the ground until someone pulls you out and throws you away.
Amy Tan