Tests, they said. Observation, they said.
Why? I said. We already know. We know who he is and what he is and why.
Like hell you do, Da said. He laughed.
Pop, will you please shut up, Dad said.
Don’t ever talk to him like that, I said. That was violent. For us. Then. That was violence then.
Understand, son, the man said.
I do not, and I am not, I said. He has been all through this before. You have no test he has not taken.
And failed, Da said. And laughed.
He needs a period of observation, clearly.
He is in the middle of one. Clearly. I observe him. Every day.
It is for the best.
It is for him.
It is for everyone.
It is for the best.
Why are you being so contrary, Daniel?
Contrary Mary, Da said. He laughed.
Why are you being so obstructive, Daniel?
Your acquiescence is not required anyway, son. This is a courtesy.
I am not your son.
No, that is right. You are mine. And I say-
And you’re his son, Dad. So why let him go through more unnecessary and unexplained testing when we already know where it all ends up?
Where does it all end up? Da asked. He laughed.
Simple equation, fellas. A brief period of observation on the one hand, a buttload of fines and damages and charges on the other.
Zeke owns the mansion, Da said.
I am a friend of the owner, nothing more.
Observation, Dad said.
Acquiescence, I said. Observation, acquiescence, observation. Acquiescence.
Do not look at me like that, my father said.
That was violence. That was it right there.
Acquiescence, I said.
Observation, said Da. So long, said Da.