The Age of Disapproval

The Interrogation

Colton’s parents, Robert and Martha, were furious and terrified. Robert cornered Colton in the garage, his voice tight with outrage. “Is this true, Colton? Are you involved with that woman at the bookstore? The one old enough to be your sister?”

Colton stood his ground, shedding his teenage deference. “Yes, Dad, it’s true. And she’s not ‘that woman.’ She’s Eleanor. I’m eighteen. I’m an adult. It’s my choice.”

Martha’s reaction was colder, more insidious. “It might be your choice, but it’s her manipulation. She’s taking advantage of you. People like her... they look for easy targets. We are going to protect you, Colton, even if you can’t see the danger.” Despite Colton's repeated assertions that he was a legal adult and the relationship was consensual, his parents began pressuring Eleanor to leave town. Eleanor explained to them that Colton was an adult he can talk to anyone he chooses to and she's not leaving town her home is here, her family is here and she works here they can't make her leave. Martha told her oh yes we can and you will leave we will do everything it takes to protect our son from a girl like you.