The Power of Testimony

VIRGINIA PRODAN
“Virginia, do I have to come and get you?”
What? I marveled. Typically, the word everyone did not
apply to me. I turned to look at her, and she released an
exasperated sigh and waved me over.
Alina, Oana, and George all took seats at the table.
I remained standing, still clutching a dishcloth.
“Today I visited my friend Mahala, the Gypsy fortuneteller,”
she began. “She told me that Virginia—yes, you—”
she said, pointing at me, “will acquire an indescribable inheritance.”
She stopped and looked directly at me. I could feel
my heart beating faster.
“Mahala said that Virginia will live a long and happy life in
a rich city,” she said, slowly emphasizing those final two words.
My mind raced. What is she talking about? What shall I say
to her? How can I get out of this unpunished? The tension was
quickly broken by Alina.
“Why Virginia? Why her? Who is she?” she whined.
“What about me?” Oana and George asked simultaneously.
“Nothing.” Elena shook her head, still staring at me.
“We need to have a serious family talk, Mom!” Alina
announced, clearly annoyed.
“Go back to your chores, Virginia.” Elena brushed me
away with her hand, but her eyes never left mine.
Confused and frightened, I retreated to the kitchen.
Moments later, Alina appeared in the doorway. “We are
going out to dinner and to the movies with Mom and Dad,”
she stated, still visibly annoyed. “When we return, make sure
everything on your chores list is done.”
21