Arnon Grunberg

Grandparents

Rice

Yesterday, the manicurist asked: “Do you know that it is Chinese New Year today?” “Yes,” I answered, “I know. It’s the Year of the Dragon.” “How do you know?” She sounded surprised.
“It was in the newspaper.” “Oh.” She massaged my feet thoroughly.
“What do you do on Chinese New Year?” I asked.
“We eat a special dish,” she said. “Soup with rice balls. And we visit our grandparents.” Then she asked: “Ten more minutes of massage?” “Yes,” I answered. “Why not.”