Vignette

The sun didn’t shine as bright in the morning as it usually did. Its light was faint and left only dim luminous beams, refracting into more as it passed through the morning dew. It was a quaint morning, one with the plain sky with only the yolk of the sun. Inside though, it was no less different than usual. The mom had been successful in gathering the family together at the table. All of four came scrambling to the kitchen counter where they would stay there for breakfast. All but the mom, who was already there waiting with only the patience that a mom could have. Scurrying into the rightful places, knowing the common routine, practicing the best manners; it was a daily task belonging to a well molded group. The perfect family had the best chemistry anyone could ever ask for. Some chemistry that would make others say, “the grass is definitely greener on the other side.” However, this image is viewed by outsiders, viewed by people of lesser-knowing, because the four at the table knew of what conundrums could be drawn between the father and the son. Problems, that make you question their personalities, make you question if he’s well-mannered, make you question if he’s responsible, make you question if they’re actually related, make you question if they could be the people from the perfect family. These  things could come out of nowhere, arguments seemingly materialized out of thin air. At times, radical disputes ranged so ridiculously into irrational territory that reason deemed to be useless in winning and winning would prove the better orator. But under closer investigation, it would prove “like father like son” to be utterly untrue.

Summaries

Rules of the Game - Waverly finds passion in the game of chess after learning how to play from her brother. Waverly becomes progressively skilled and talented at chess and begins to compete at competitions where she wins effortlessly. She brings home trophies along with pride for her family, especially for her mom who finds much pride in Waverly's talents. Her mom, Lindo, begins bragging about Waverly, who finds it all unecessary and starts to question the fairness in their relationship.
The Voice from the Wall - Lena's dad is rewarded a promotion at work which forces the family to move to San Fransisco. This new homestead is where Lena discovers that her mother is pregnant and that her neighbors are always in constant bickering. Her mother, Ying-ying gives birth to a baby boy who dies quickly and brings grief to the family. Lena, who is having a difficult time, comforts herself by believing that she has a better life than her neighbors who are always arguing.
Half and half - Rose Hsu Jordan talks about her failing marriage and it's undeniable fate. Her mother tells her that she must have faith in her marriage and that faith can shape fate. Rose goes on and describes a family vacation to the beach in which she loses her brother from carelessness and comes to a conclusion that fate is composed half of expectation and half inattention.
Two Kinds - The sections opens with talks about opportunities in America. June's mother believes that June could become anything she wants to be; even a prodigy. When her mother urges June to work towards becoming a prodigy, their relationship suffers as June becomes resistant to her mother's wills. As June grows more resistant, her mother labels June as disobedient- one of two types of children where the other is being obedient.

Sentences

1. The overcooked steak was dry and arid.
2. The 4-point-student was always assiduous in his work.
3. The asylum was overpopulated with mentally ill patients.
4. Mr. Rutschman is a very kind and benevolent person.
5. The camaraderie between teammates on a championship team, such as Kentucky's, is very strong.
6. Obama's legislature sent out a censure on Monday in concern of the economic crisis.
7. His reasoning was always cyclical and circuitous.
8. Only Superman, Wolverine, and other superheroes like so are clairvoyant.
9. A great team must be able to collaborate well together to be successful.
10. The compassion that he felt for war veteran compelled and motivated him into serving the community by volunteering at the retirement home.