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“Josh wouldn’t know.”

My mom ignored my snide remark.

“How was the performance?” She asked.

My face lit up with sheer joy at her remembering. I’d told her once Elsie asked us to perform, but I thought she’d forgotten about it.

“It was amazing.”

My father cleared his throat.

“So, you’re still wasting your time on that band stuff.”

A shadow of annoyance cast a veil over my smile.

“It’s not a waste of time if it makes you happy.”

He snorted as if I’d just uttered the most idiotic thing.

“This band thing will not get you into college.”

I knew I should have kept quiet, but my mouth never listened to my brain. A self-assured grin played upon my lips as my eyes glinted with a hint of arrogance.

“Good thing I’m not going to college.”

The clinking of cutlery ceased as the air became charged with tension. The silence was suffocating.

“That’s not funny.”

Dad’s face contorted with anger, his brows were drawn together in a menacing furrow. His narrowed eyes radiated a burning intensity.

“It wasn’t a joke.”

The colour of his cheeks deepened. Tension etched lines around his mouth.

“Asher, what’s going on?” My mother asked, searching my face for any hints.

She leaned forward to place her hand on top of mine.

“Nothing is going on,” I said. “I made a choice and I’m sticking with it.”

My dad’s entire demeanour radiated hostility.

“You’re making a mockery of this family.”

That set me off. My eyes narrowed into slits of refined animosity.

“That’s rich coming from you, Dad.”

His pupils dilated in understanding. The subtle parting of his lips was a sign that I had won the argument.

“What is he talking about?” My mother asked, turning to my father.

She tilted her head as her eyes seemed to be stuck in a maze of bewilderment. Josh and Gracie adorned similar expressions. Mom turned to me in hopes I would clarify.

“Please excuse me,” I muttered, pushing the chair back with a screech. “I’m done here.”

I stormed towards the door, slamming it shut so hard the porch floor vibrated beneath my feet. I strode across the yard, took a seat on the sidewalk, fumbled for the pack of cigarettes in my pocket and lit one with a frustrated sigh.