I wasn't surprised to see both men scowling at each other the next morning. I sprang up to help him, but Papa motioned me to take a seat with his gaze.

“How is your wound healing?” I inquired, but Dominic disregarded me and instead greeted my parents.

“Sit down and have your breakfast, young man.” My father gave the instruction, and his stern tone made me afraid to speak up.

Richard Vera has been difficult for several days, and I haven't communicated with him the way we used to. When Dominic sat alongside me, I cast a peek at my father, who grimaced. “Please, Pa, don't be too harsh on...