Thank you for participating… great piece and an interesting take on the rule.

Ah, the way we censor ourselves. Rather than write an embarrassing scene, you went for the honest truth in how we say ‘fine’ when we mean ‘not good’.
Sadly, I think many a similar conversation is occurring in homes around the Western Hemisphere. Part of me wants to debate with the dad.

Very interesting idea and a touching story. Excellent! I hope he’ll be all right,

I was not expecting that ending. It’s sweet, but maybe a little too discordant from the rest of it? Probably not. Maybe I’m just imagining a darker and more sinister punishment on the part of the parents. I shall stop talking now. Nicely done, obviously, getting me to thinking and thus rambling.

Thanks guys! This one is quite personal to me. I’ve done some pretty dark stuff recently. Exorcising some innner demons, so to speak.

@THX
The last line is more abrupt than I’d like, but the thrice-damned character limit will not allow me to build up to it better!