Male Bonding

A few minutes ago, I smelled the freshly squeezed calamansi juice that my father was making for his bedtime tea.  I looked up from where I was sitting and asked if there were any calamansi left.  He told me that there were enough, and implied that if I wanted some I should get off my ass and make a cup for myself.

As I started to slice the fruit I casually asked if he had any small strainer ready; he said no.  He said I should fish out the seeds using a teaspoon.  I then continued slicing, and then he handed me a teaspoon, interrupting his own masterpiece.  He then noted how I was slicing the calamansi; he mentioned something about how to properly do it, which was his way, of course.

I started squeezing and then scooping the seeds out.  He handed me a small jar of honey; he told me to use it.  As he started dipping an herbal teabag, in and out, bouncing up and down the elixir, he said that I should put in some teabags because it would make the concoction delicious.  I went to the thermos for some hot water, and then he called out and said that he had some freshly-boiled water ready; as I am not very much familiar with my parents' kitchen I turned and looked like I was caught in a hazy maze.  He pointed at one corner; apparently, he used the coffee pot to boil the water.  I then poured some water, put the pot back, and started going through the cupboard for some teabag.  He hissed that he already had something ready for me.  Like a little girl I took the teabag from him, ripped it open, and started dipping, in and out, bouncing up and down.

As I was clearly finished with the ceremony --- which he was watching as he sipped his tea, standing up --- he told me how I should secure the teabag by wrapping its end around the mug holder.

Although my dad and I fight sometimes as he is a terrible (and sexist) backseat driver and like many men he always insists that he is always right, I found that supposed-annoying instance comforting and thought that I simply missed being a just a child, that I will always be somebody's daughter.