Humbled Down

"Apologize then," I keep going, feeling a little too smug, "Say you're sorry. Say you’re stupid and I AM perfect."

"Fuck no," he spits out, looking over his shoulder, but we're definitely hidden in here, "You don't call the shots here, I've told you that."

"I think I do right now," I push, feeling greedy. I want to take advantage of the one time I do have some power. He wants these people to respect him and see him as a good man. And I have the opportunity to fuck that up for him, "Apologize, Jae. Say you’re a stupid little man and I’m perfect.”

"I would never say those words," he says, his face hard and angry, "Let's go back outside before you really fucking piss me off."

"No. Apologize right now or I'll make a scene," I threaten, brave as a blind dog being chased by a lion. Stupid and hopeless. And yet, I can't stop myself, "I swear I'll do it. I told you I will always defend myself."

"Against what? What the fuck did I do today? I'm being a good husband," he says, as if he actually,