My wife became so emotional over a Swedish birthday custom that she insisted our exchange student, Brigitte, leave right away. But the very following day, karma struck extremely severely. Brigitte was required to help us, but could she protect those who had harmed her? Since Brigitte’s visit last summer, nothing had been typical. Not that she was not a wonderful child; she was the kind of exchange student that every host family hopes to have.
However, cultural differences can occasionally surprise you by ambushing you in the dark. The morning got off to a fairly average start. As my spouse Melissa prepared her renowned blueberry pancakes, Tommy and Sarah, our two children, quarreled over the remaining orange juice. For us, it is just another Tuesday. However, this Tuesday was special because it was Brigitte’s 16th birthday.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and everyone hurried to appear informal. With her long blonde hair still disheveled from sleep, Brigitte emerged from the doorway.
Her gaze grew wide as she observed the kitchen, which was now adorned with an abundance of balloons and streamers fit for a tiny carnival. Her joy was evident in her Swedish accent as she said, “Oh my gosh!” “This is too much, this is it!” With a beaming smile, Melissa placed a stack of pancakes on the table. “There is nothing our birthday girl can not handle. Please take a seat. After breakfast, you can phone your family and we will have presents.” I observed Brigitte getting comfortable in her chair, appearing both happy and ashamed of all the attention. She had only been with us for two months, which was difficult to believe. At times, it seemed as though she had always been a member of our family.
We all gathered around as Brigitte Face Timed her family in Sweden following brunch and presents. Her parents and siblings broke into song as soon as they appeared on air, singing a lengthy, repetitive Swedish song that made people giggle across the Atlantic. Brigitte’s expression brightened like Times Square on New Year’s Eve, even though I could not comprehend a word. “Oh my god, please stop!” she exclaimed, flushing her cheeks. “You look so foolish! “Brigitte covered her face and groaned as her tiny brother added a dance routine of some kind. “You are the worst, Magnus!”
We gave her some solitude to catch up with her family when the song ended and we all wished her a happy birthday in both Swedish and English.”Mr. Gary, hello?” While I was counting the batteries, Brigitte appeared at the doorway. With her hair tied back, she had switched to a t-shirt that she had received as a birthday present. “Do you require assistance?” “Kiddo, thank you.” I pointed to the assortment of flashlights that I was examining. “In fact, will you please verify these? Simply turn each one on and off. “Say, what was that song about?” I questioned her as she began to check. sounded quite comical. She smiled as she turned on the flashlights. “Oh, it is just this dumb custom. The song talks of becoming shot, hung, drowned, and other such things after you age 100.