brother’s resistance
He argued and resisted, clearly resentful of my newfound authority. ‘You think you can just waltz back and dictate terms?’ he snapped.
His defensiveness was almost palpable, a stark contrast to our parents’ desperation. ‘This isn’t about control, it’s about responsibility,’ I countered, trying to keep my tone level.
His hostility made it clear that accepting my terms would be an uphill battle. It was time to assert my stance more firmly.