She held up a piece of paper, almost pushing it into my dad’s face. “Last time, your Tristan slandered him, saying he failed the exam. This can’t go unchallenged!”
Several relatives leaned in to look, clicking their tongues in disapproval. Madison immediately spoke up, just as loudly as Virginia. “And our daughter! Look at that, a brand-new Mercedes, an E300!”
She pointed downstairs at a white Mercedes, shining in the sunlight. “Last time, Tristan said it was a beat-up used car worth $2,500. That’s nonsense! We need an explanation today!”
My cousin stood to the side with her arms crossed, face blank but eyes showing slight condescension. The other relatives started whispering among themselves.
“Exactly, Tristan’s words were really hurtful last time.”
“How could he speak about his own family like that?”
“Virginia and Madison are elders who raised him and he didn’t respect them at all.”
“This bad influence can’t continue; they need to be properly taught.”
“Too much studying makes people arrogant; they don’t even understand basic respect for elders.”
“If this isn’t resolved today, we can’t remain relatives.”
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!”
My mom looked toward my room, her eyes anxious and helpless. Amid the noise and stares, I opened my door and stepped out. Everyone’s eyes immediately turned to me.