I refused, "No, I can't. I had shrimp once as a kid, had a severe reaction, couldn't breathe, and had to be rushed to the hospital."
Erasmo's face turned red with anger.
He snapped, "It's just a shrimp. Why are you so dramatic? Are you gonna die?"
I remembered that hospital visit. I could have died.
The doctor said I was lucky to get there in time. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable. He said I could never eat seafood again.
Erasmo's attitude made me feel cold. I didn't know why my usually gentle and considerate boyfriend acted so differently around his family.
Maybe it was the smell of the seafood, but I suddenly felt nauseous.
Emma watched me intently.
Then, she pulled Erasmo aside, and they whispered for a while.
I sipped some water and felt a little better.
Emma came over with a woman whose face was covered in freckles.
Emma said, "Lisa, take a look. Do you think Madeline is pregnant?"
Erasmo leaned over.
He whispered in my ear, "Lisa was a doctor in our village for a few years. Her medicinal skills are great. She can tell if you're pregnant or not."
Lisa closed her eyes and touched my wrist.
Then she confidently told Emma, "Congratulations, she's pregnant."