Not that it would be a bad thing.

“Alexi. Take your wife and join the family in the greenhouse until I come down. I need to speak to your mother upstairs, alone.” It’s a sane, controlled, calm tone that is completely loaded with intimidation, which I recognise too well. Guess he, too, realises his son is fighting a losing battle with himself and can sense he needs space. He loves and knows his son well, and I throw him a warm smile to communicate my agreement.

I obediently ...