Let them eat cake!

“No thank you.” I reply as she hands me a plate containing a huge piece of heavily decorated cake, the kind with inches of icing and oozing with cream filling. I am terrified. “You don’t want any?” she asks, looking hurt. “Really, I am okay.” I say, as my throat tightens. “But it is really good cake.” She insists, still holding this monster in my face and looking at me as if I just set my hair on fire. I look around anxiously and realize that everyone in the room, cake in hand, is awaiting my next move. My hands are sweating, my heart is pounding, and the room is spinning. “I guess I’ll try it”, I mutter in defeat. She hands me the cake and watches, as if to be sure I make good on a promise. I take a bite, a small one, but big enough to count. Then I muster a I smile and nod, “Yes, it’s quite good.” I say, hoping to disappear once again in the crowd. At last, she seems satisfied. She smiles and replies, “See, I told you.” I set my plate down and swallow what is left of my dignity.