[ TT ] Thanksgiving is especially rough when your mother-in-law is a dragon .

It ’ s always the same. I ask politely for her to remove the ridiculous headdress. She invariably refuses and we stand facing each other for a silent moment. Then we mutter “ Happy Thanksgiving ” and get on with it. The fridge is stacked with PBR only, although she knows my preference for Heineken. But I am past arguing; some people ’ s minds can never be changed. I guess, to be fair, she must think the same of me… oh well. I sip on my beer, waiting for the turkey to be done and for Uncle Clayton to arrive. 
 
 The family gathering is small. My wife ’ s dad and brother were killed in a dynamite fishing accident so it ’ s just her mom and the uncle. They ’ re the only folks she ’ s got which makes it impossible for me to refuse seeing them once a year. First time I met my mother in law was… interesting. When I saw the outfit, all wrapped in white, I was speechless. I blame Jo Lynne for not preparing me. She just pretended everything was perfectly ordinary; even on the drive home I could not get her to really engage with me. It was an off-limits topic. So I did the adult thing and accepted it. I mean, this family doesn ’ t define her and I fell in love for lots of good reasons. 
 
 We sit in the living room now, an occasional cough breaking the silence. My mother in law drinks her bourbon through a straw because the hood she wears covers the entire face. I try not to stare. When she feels like checking on the turkey she croaks at me “ Francesca be a good girl now and check the oven for me. ” My name is Francis and I am a man. But Betty Jane is a joker, always has been, according to Uncle Clayton. Oh, how they laughed when she ’ d come up with that one. Francesca. I got them back though – they choked on it when I replied “ Sure thing, Billie Jean! ” Mother in law leapt for the hunting rifle above the chimney mantel and only Jo Lynne ’ s pleading saved me from getting shot that day. Five years ago. So I get up and go check on the damn turkey. 
 
 “ She can ’ t see well on account of her hood, you know that. ” My wife follows behind me and gives me a quick peck on the back of the neck. 
 
 “ I know. We don ’ t want black turkey on Thanksiving, right. ” I retort, but immediately regret lashing out at her. 
 
 Finally, we sit down for dinner. Except Betty Jane, she stands with her arms raised. 
 
 “ Dear Citizens. KIGY. ” The Dragon begins. “ We are gathered here today to celebrate our superior white race and hail the downfall of unclean nations. As Grand Dragon of this celebrated Realm, I thank you for coming united in this moment of need. The Invisible Empire will be yours. Always remember, in the end, only the Ku Klux Klan shall remain. ORION. ” 
 
 I look at my plate and play with the food.
