Honor

by Thrity Umrigar

Sometimes, it seemed to Smita that the history of the world was written in female blood.

Because traditions are like eggs—once you break one, it is impossible to put it back inside its shell.

As children, we were taught to be afraid of tigers and lions. Nobody taught us what I know today—the most dangerous animal in this world is a man with wounded pride.

“You know what your problem is, Smita? You focus on the cat hair. Try focusing on the cat.”