Dave

I rolled over on the bed and picked my phone that had been ringing for a while now. I swiped my finger across the screen, answering the call from my parents. Their faces popped up, framed in the small video window. The usual sneers were already plastered on their faces.

“Dave, have you seen what that wretched girl has done now?” my mother started, her voice dripping with disdain. “Belle has always been a problem. Why did we ever agree to this engagement?”

Normally, I’d feel comfortable with their insults at Belle and maybe even join in with my own criticisms. But today, something was different. Irritation bubbled beneath...