Mohawk (part 3)

The next day, after the cat's check up, the vet tell us Aroo has improved. His ears are pink. His fur is shiny. His energy is back. We all relax.

My mother, working at a crossword, tells me the veterinarian had good hair.

"It's thick and shiny black. Very fashion forward. I think it's what you call a mohawk. He was VERY interesting looking. He might be Oriental."

(I gasp)

"Mo- ther! the term is Asian!"

But my mother, an unapologetic contrarian, won't be corrected.

"Aren't China and Japan part of the Orient? There's nothing wrong with the word Orient. What's wrong with the word Orient? I wish I was from the Orient. I wish I was Oriental."