Making Her Say “I Was Wrong”

I grew up in a small town where everyone knew your family before they knew you.

My dad was quiet, kind, the type of man who showed love through small,

steady actions. My mom was unpredictable. When she was happy, the house felt alive. When she wasn’t,

everyone walked on eggshells. She belittled my dad in public, dismissed his efforts,

and called it “honesty.” I saw him shrink over the years. The breaking point came when he told

her he’d gotten a promotion. She laughed and said his company must be desperate.

That night, he slept on the couch. Two weeks later, she showed up at

his workplace and caused a scene so bad security escorted her out. My dad was suspended,