Their voices from the slightly open doors and windows drew neighbors, who peeked into the hallway and whispered to each other.
My parents grew more embarrassed. My father kept bowing. “I’m so sorry, everyone. The boy is young and doesn’t understand…”
My mother, holding a cup of tea with trembling hands, pleaded, “Virginia, Madison, have some tea and calm down. Tristan knows he was wrong…”
“Knows he was wrong?” Virginia snapped, almost spitting. “If he knows, he should leave and apologize to us and his cousins in person! Admit he slandered us last time and spread rumors!”
Madison nodded eagerly, her fingers tapping the coffee table. “Yes! He must apologize publicly and explain! Otherwise, people will think my daughter drives a junk car and we can’t have that!”
“Apologize!”
“He must apologize!”
“Hurry up, act like a man and take responsibility!”
The relatives cheered louder and louder, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
My dad’s temple throbbed. He turned to my bedroom door, trying to control his anger. “You brat! Come out and apologize properly to your aunts and cousins!”