71.6k views
2 votes
What can you infer from this text?

The reception is divided into four factions. First, you have Charlie’s family. Mr. and Mrs. Kahn and their parents (Charlie’s grandparents), and Charlie’s aunts and uncles and seven cousins. Old friends of the family and close neighbors are included here, too, so that’s where Dad and I end up. Dad, still awkward at social events without Mom, asks me forty-seven times between the church and banquet hall if I’m okay. But really, he’s worse off than I am. Especially when talking to the Kahns. They know we know their secrets because we live next door. And they know we know they know.
“I’m so sorry,” Dad says.
“Thanks, Ken,” Mrs. Kahn answers. It’s hot outside―first day of September―and Mrs. Kahn is wearing long sleeves.
They both look at me and I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out. I am so mixed up about what I should be feeling, I throw myself into Mrs. Kahn’s arms and sob for a few seconds. Then I compose myself and wipe my wet cheeks with the back of my hands. Dad gives me a tissue from his blazer pocket

User Taiwotman
by
8.6k points

1 Answer

2 votes
The text describes the narrator and their father attending a reception, where the attendees are divided into four factions. The narrator and their father are in the same faction as the old friends of Charlie's family and close neighbors. The narrator's mother is not present, and the narrator is emotionally mixed up, eventually breaking down in tears in Mrs. Kahn's arms. The Kahns are aware that the narrator's family knows their secrets.
User Katalonis
by
8.2k points