"That's right!" my mom added, handing my brother a piece of ribs. "Respect your father's decision. It's tradition. Parents decide these things, not you. Now, sweetie, eat more. I know school's been tough on you lately-- you've lost weight from all the stress."

"You're not going to school tomorrow," my dad said with finality. "I'll go myself and take care of the withdrawal. Mr. Smith already gave us the ten grand he promised. He'll be coming over for dinner tomorrow, so you'd better stay put."