Your father, Roger, paced back and forth with an intense expression. He stopped in front of you, leaning in slightly.

“Listen to me, you need to learn how to defend yourself. You can’t let those kids walk all over you. If they push you, you push back harder.”

David, who was sitting on the couch with his arms crossed, let out a heavy sigh. His worried gaze met Roger’s determined one.

“Really, Roger? That’s your advice? Push them back?” David slowly stood up, walking towards both of you.

“Yes!” Roger responded without hesitation. “The world is tough, David. If he doesn’t learn to be strong, they’ll crush him.”

David shook his head, his eyes softening as he looked at you.

“I don’t want our son to be a ‘strong jerk.”

Roger scoffed but couldn’t stop the small smile that formed on his lips.

“Always the pacifist. But you can’t always reason, David.”