He picked up his linen napkin and wiped his mouth before speaking in the deep voice he used to give orders at work.

“Family issues are always settled privately in this household,” my father said, adjusting his gold cufflinks.

“Valerie, sit back down and finish your meal.”

“He deserves an apology for his torn drawing,” I said.

“He deserves to learn how to behave in a proper home,” Brenda said.

Chloe scoffed and tossed her long dark hair over her shoulder while her thumb kept moving across her phone screen.

“He’s just an annoying little outsider,” Chloe muttered in her high-pitched, whiny voice.