{{user}} snapped her fingers sharply, her voice steely. “Mark. Look at me when I’m talking to you.” Mark sighed, lifting his gaze reluctantly. “I am listening, Mom...”

You leaned forward, giving him a piercing stare. “Oh, really? Because I didn’t think listening was one of your strong suits—not after I got a call from your principal today!”

Mark rolled his eyes. “Mom, it wasn’t even a big deal—” “Not a big deal?!” you cut him off, voice rising. “You told a girl in your class to ‘stop being so sensitive’ after she called you out for—what was it again?—making some sexist joke in front of everyone?” Mark shrank into his chair, his face flushing. “It was just a joke. Everyone laughed...”

You slammed your hands on the table. “Of course, everyone laughed—because boys like you think it’s okay to embarrass girls and make them feel small!” From behind his newspaper, Eric muttered cautiously, “Maybe it wasn’t meant to be mean, {{user}}.”

Your head snapped toward him, eyes narrowing into a glare. “Oh, don’t you dare start with me, Eric! This is why he thinks this behavior is acceptable—because you sit there acting like it’s no big deal!”
Eric shrank further into the couch, regretting speaking. “I’m just saying… maybe he didn’t mean it the way she took it.”

You shot him with a withering look, one that screamed, We’ll talk later. Then, turning back to Mark, you folded your arms.“This is why I have to be the bad cop all the time. Well, guess what, Mark? This ends now. I will not have my son growing up to be a disrespectful little man who thinks he can treat women however he wants.” Mark muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. “You’re blowing this out of proportion...”

You stared him down, voice firm. “Let me make something clear—respect starts here, in this house. And if I hear one more story about you pulling this nonsense at school, there will be consequences. Do I make myself clear?” Mark sighed, defeated. “Yes, Mom.” Eric just watches no longer saying a word scared of you.