My son ʜɪᴛ me just because the soup wasn’t seasoned with salt. The next morning, he said, “My mother-in-law is coming for lunch, cover everything up and smile!” Then he went to the office, and when he walked into his boss’s office, his face was as pale as chalk.

As we stood in the kitchen, Brandon’s name appeared on Amber’s phone screen. Amber looked at me uncertainly, and I nodded because avoidance would only delay what needed to happen.

Amber answered and placed the call on speaker. Brandon’s voice sounded strained and hoarse as he said, “I am coming home soon, so please do not create a scene and make everything awkward in front of your mother.”

Barbara leaned toward the phone and said calmly, “Brandon, this is Barbara speaking, and I need you to listen carefully.” Silence followed before he responded, “Yes, ma’am.”

Barbara continued, “Your stress at work does not give you permission to strike your own mother, and she is not fine today because she is injured due to your actions.” Brandon’s breathing quickened audibly as he said, “I already said I did not mean to.”

“And yet you did,” Barbara replied evenly. “You will not return to that house today, and you will find somewhere else to stay while you begin counseling and anger management classes, and you will apologize without asking her to protect your reputation.”