He was sitting at his mother's kitchen table.
He had changed into clean clothes.
His shoulder remained sore.
And a small abrasion on his forearm had been cleaned and dressed.
His mother placed a plate of food before him.
He thanked her.
Then his phone vibrated.
A colleague had sent him the clip.
The commissioner opened it.
He watched himself fall.
The mud splash.
The sergeant lean over him.
Then the younger officer rush forward.
He watched it once.
Then placed the phone face down.
His mother studied him.
"Is that it?"
He nodded.
She reached for the phone.
He hesitated.
Then handed it over.
The older woman watched.
Her face changed.
She saw her son on the ground.
Heard the younger officer shout.
And watched the sergeant step backward when he realized who the man was.
When the video ended, she remained completely still.
Then she placed the phone on the table.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Finally, she asked, "Did he help you up?"
The commissioner looked toward her.
"The younger officer did."
His mother nodded slowly.
She looked toward her plate.
Then back at him.
"Your father would've been proud of how you kept your composure."
The commissioner smiled faintly.
"Maybe."
She reached for his hand.
"But you know what?"
"What?"
"You don't have to spend every minute being the commissioner."
He looked up.
She continued.
"Tonight, you're my son."
The words broke something inside him.
He lowered his head.
For the first time since the sergeant grabbed his arm, he began crying.
His mother stood.
Walked around the table.
And embraced him.
He pressed his forehead against her shoulder.
For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Then he whispered, "I was scared, Mom."
She held him tighter.
"I know."
"I kept thinking if I moved wrong, he'd say I was resisting."
His mother closed her eyes.
He continued.
"And I kept thinking about all the people who've been in that position without anyone coming to help."
The older woman stroked the back of his head.
"Baby, you're allowed to be frightened."
He swallowed.
"I know."
"You're allowed to be angry too."
He nodded.
She held him a moment longer.
"Just don't let those feelings make your decisions for you."
The commissioner closed his eyes.
His father's voice seemed to echo through hers.
Then he nodded.
"I won't."