The evilness of chillies

I was minding my own business,

and my parents call me over.

they say, "sweet child,

I need some chillies please,

go on, get it please."

I, most certainly a child,

bolstered by the flatter,

go get the chillies.

I bring it to them,

and hand it to them,

when they flinch back,

eyes wide,

and tell me to put it on the plate.

confused, I ask why,

and they say,

"although it’s an old wives tale,

never hand chillies to one’s hand,

or it means you wish for their life,

to be against yours."