Chapter 3 — Until Noon

He set the bag down beside Elliot’s chair. “Our son needs to learn how to be a man,” he announced. “He has until noon to leave.”

My spoon slipped into my coffee. “Richard, no. He’s still our child.”

“He’s eighteen. Adults don’t hide behind their mothers.”

Elliot stared at the bag. His face had gone pale, but he stood up slowly. “I’ll never forgive either of you,” he said.

Then he looked at me. “And you, Mom — you let him do this.”