My Brother-in-law & Other Stories
By Johnny Novera

I was a shy guy

When I was   a young boy, I was quite shy. I hardly talk or recite in class, but my secret was to listen with full attention. As a result, I managed to be at the top of my class from grades to high school, except in college when I had to work my way.

I remembered the party given by my uncle who owned a fish coral. It id the practice to have a thanksgiving party when they haul the first catch to shore. They did not only serve the choice first catch of the day but there was also lechon and drinks. It seems that the whole barrio attended.

I was ashamed to push my way among the visitors. I went home therefore hungry and was not able to eat. My mother scolded me for it. “When you grow up, she admonished, you might go hungry because you do not talk.”

Since then, I learned my lesson. I became e salesman. Now I think I talk too much. When I an in the countryside, for example, and if it is lunchtime, I would say straight to the owner of the house that I visit: “Hi, I would say, I hope you gave not let loose the chickens. I have not eaten lunch.” I was not shy anymore as it was in my younger days, especially that in the farm there is nor restaurant!