Marianne took a deep breath and forced a smile, trying to ease the tension in the air. She inhaled softly, preparing to address Michael’s mother, but before she could say anything, Michael yanked his mother away from her. His mother, however, shoved him aside and tried to lunge at Marianne. Michael grabbed her by both shoulders, restraining her from moving closer.
“Can you just stop this madness? Stop embarrassing me! Isn’t what’s happening at home bad enough? Do you really enjoy seeing me suffer like this? What the hell do you want from me?” Michael shouted, his eyes filling with tears.
“Oh, so you raised your voice at me over a girl?” his mother laughed mockingly. Michael squeezed his eyes shut, a tear slipping down his cheek before he opened them again.
“Mom, have you ever really see
