"Your son?"
She folded her arms.
"Our children. You know what I meant."
He shook his head.
"No. I think you said exactly what you meant."
She let out an exasperated breath.
"You're being dramatic."
He took out his phone.
"Tell me what you think happened in that kitchen."
She looked away.
"I disciplined your daughter."
"By taking away her dinner?"
"By teaching her that bad behavior has consequences."
"What bad behavior?"
"I already told you."
"Then tell me again."
She narrowed her eyes.
"She left clothes on the bedroom floor. She argued when I told her to finish her homework. Then she sat at the table making that pathetic face."
The father took a slow breath.
"Did she refuse to do her homework?"
"She complained."
"Did she finish it?"
"Eventually."
"Did she clean her room?"
"Not properly."
"So you took food away."
His wife shook her head.
"I didn't starve her. She had rice and vegetables."
"You took the only piece of chicken from her plate and gave it to your son."
"He needs protein."
"So does she."
"He's growing."
"She's ten years old."
The woman spread her hands.
"Children don't always get exactly what they want."
The father looked toward the bedroom window.
Outside, the street was quiet.
For a moment, he felt the familiar instinct to lower the temperature of the argument.
To compromise.
To say they were both upset.
To suggest discussing better discipline methods tomorrow.
Then he remembered his daughter's face.
The way she asked permission to eat.
The way she apologized for reaching for a glass.
He turned back.
"How long has this been happening?"
His wife frowned.
"What?"
"How long have you been taking things away from her?"
"Oh, don't start."
"Answer me."
"You're acting like I abuse her."
He held her gaze.
"I'm asking how long you've been treating her differently."
She laughed bitterly.
"So now I'm the evil stepmother?"
He didn't respond.
She stepped closer.
"Do you know what it's like being the only person who actually enforces rules in this house? You come home, play the hero, buy everyone treats, and leave me with the hard work."