My father asks if I know what an ammonite is. He’s reclined on the sofa, wearing pants he’s owned my whole life, disguising his dominance with relaxation. I fake a yawn, reminding him that indiscretions should be blamed on the jet lag. Shit, I forgot to do my homework, is how I feel. I look to my mother hoping she’ll get annoyed with him as she sometimes does, but she’s not listening. I’m a college graduate, I think to myself and decide to be bold about my ignorance. “Of course you don’t,” he says, before I can find my voice.
Surbhi Agarwal is a recent college graduate. She lives in Jersey City with her sister and usually writes creative nonfiction. Instagram: @surbhiscribbles