"Savvy, what are your plans for New Year this year? Are your parents still abroad? My mom’s been talking about you for ages—I’m starting to feel like I’m losing my spot as her favorite kid."

Raymond asked me this question on the day before winter break began after finals.

Ever since we got close in college, Raymond has known that my parents live abroad due to work. During the holidays, he always takes me home to spend time with his family, claiming it’s to ...