A Peruvian Tradition

by Yeah Write!

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I coddled the warm lump of fur in my arms, holding him so tenderly. I petted his head gingerly as small purring sounds came from the soft creature. My father glared at me with a look that said, “I told you not to get attached.” I looked away from my father’s face, full of admonishment, but I could still feel his eyes bore into me. Senor Hernando stood before me prepared to collect the rodent and scornfully reminded me, “Traditionally, jaca tsariy does mean ‘collecting of the cuys’.” I was not about to relinquish Gus to this man, no matter what customs I broke. I had been in love at my first glance at his nutmeg colored fur, tiny eyes, and wet nose.

“Adelina, give Senor Hernando the cuy,” my father said impatiently.
“But papa…”
“Lina, jaca tsariy is today! Say your despedidas so we can prepare for tonight’s meal!” he demanded.

As tears filled my eyes, I reluctantly surrendered my poor, sweet Gus. Resistance was futile, and the outdated celebration, a feast of guinea pigs, triumphed that day.

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Comments

Average Reader Rating: 5.0 stars out of 5

  1. A Peruvian Tradition

    Ana Cristina's Buddy Icon Ana Cristina

    Posted about 1 year ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    So sad. Beautifully written.

  2. A Peruvian Tradition

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted about 1 year ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Eww, of all the things to feast on…guess we shouldn’t judge. Nice working in of some Spanish phrases, not that I know what they mean.

  3. A Peruvian Tradition

    Yeah Write!'s Buddy Icon Yeah Write!

    Posted about 1 year ago

    let me see…
    jaca tsariy = collecte=ing of the cuys
    cuys = guinea pigs
    despedidas = goodbyes/farewells
    ~
    thanks for the compliments (and of course the desired reaction “ew!”) i researched this so it’s good to see the payoff! =)

  4. A Peruvian Tradition

    Yeah Write!'s Buddy Icon Yeah Write!

    Posted about 1 year ago

    wow! “collecte=ing” is supposed to say “collecting!”

  5. A Peruvian Tradition

    THX 0477's Buddy Icon THX 0477

    Posted 12 months ago

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    And I notice your icon is wearing a rather Peruvian style hat to boot.

  6. A Peruvian Tradition

    Yeah Write!'s Buddy Icon Yeah Write!

    Posted 12 months ago

    that’s my snow hat thingy! i always wanted one of those knit hats with the ear warmers and the little poofy balls on top but it’s too hot and now a bit childish so i gave my weemee one to make up for it. i also never got to go to away camp (summer camp where you sleep over for a week… you know) i haven’t solved that issue yet! :*(

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