I desperately try to think of something to say that will stop this argument in its tracks even though I know it’s too late. I was late. He’s been drinking. He’s in a bad mood. He had a bad day. Whatever the reason is, it’s on. ‘I don’t think I ask for much,’ he says. ‘I give you everything you want, don’t I?’ ‘Yes, of course—’ ‘All I ask in return is a little respect. That you listen to me. That you follow my advice. I don’t think that’s too much to ask, considering. Do you agree?’ He’s speaking to me like I’m a child.
