Virginia’s face went from red to pale and she said nothing. I then turned to Madison.
“Aunt Madison, the sale record for that Mercedes A180 is on several sites. The latest transfer was on the 15th and it sold for $2,300. I even have the dealer’s number. We can call and ask if my cousin was the buyer.”
Madison’s chest rose and fell quickly as she pointed at me, stuttering “You… you…” but couldn’t finish a sentence.
A usually quiet uncle frowned and said, “Tristan, even if you’re right, you shouldn’t talk to your elders that way. Your parents are here. It’s disrespectful.”
I looked at him calmly and said, “Uncle, respect goes both ways. When they mocked my parents and me in front of everyone, were they being respectful?”
The table went silent again. My dad, who had been quiet, suddenly shouted, “Enough! Just because you got a job doesn’t mean you can talk to your aunts like that! Show some respect for your elders!”
My mom tugged my sleeve, pleading, “Tristan, say less. Apologize quickly and it’ll be over.”
In the past, I’d usually stay quiet in situations like this. But this time, I didn’t. I turned to my parents, speaking clearly but calmly.