Before Andrew could answer, Marcus spoke.
“He needs discipline before he needs a degree.”
The room fell silent.
Andrew set down his fork.
“I’m doing just fine.”
Marcus ignored him.
“No. You’re confused.”
I reached for Marcus’s hand under the table.
“Please.”
He pulled away.
“If he wants anyone to respect him, he should join the army.”
Nobody spoke.
Marcus looked directly at Andrew. “Maybe then you’ll finally become a real man. I’m trying to save you from a world that won’t be kind to you.”
The words hung over the table like smoke.
I remember hearing my niece start crying in the next room, I remember my mother whispering, “Marcus,” and I remember Andrew’s face.
Not angry or embarrassed. Just… broken.
He stood.
“I don’t have to sit here and listen to this.”
Marcus leaned back in his chair.
“You’ve been avoiding the truth your whole life.”
