The next morning, my mother got up early and went to the market. Since she frequently bought mangoes, the vendor enthusiastically pitched them, saying the mangoes that day were large and fresh.

"I guarantee your daughter will love them."

My mother stared blankly and said, "My daughter is allergic to mangoes."

The vendor looked at her oddly but said nothing more and moved on to the next customer. My mother wandered from stall to stall with her wicker basket. She picked up a carrot and then put it down, picked up some bell peppers and set them aside. Her actions were so peculiar that the vendor gently suggested, "If you're...