222 The Explosive Child“I’m not the one who flunked out of prep school,”
the father jabbed back.
“AND I’M NOT THE ONE WHO MADE ME GO
TO THAT SCHOOL!” Mitchell boomed.
“Look, I’m really not interested in getting into a
pissing contest with you, Mitchell,” said the father.
“What do you call what you just did?” the mother
chimed in. “Anyway, I don’t think Mitchell is ready to
face flunking out of prep school yet.”
“DON’T SPEAK FOR ME, MOTHER!” Mitchell
boomed. “YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M READY
TO FACE!”
“Pardon me for interrupting,” the therapist said, “but
is this the way conversations usually go in this family?”
“Why? Do you think we’re all lunatics?” asked
Mitchell.
“Speak for yourself,” said the father.
“Screw you,” said Mitchell.
“Well, we’re off to a wonderful start, aren’t we?”
said the mother.
“WE ARE NOT OFF TO A WONDERFUL
START, MOTHER!” Mitchell boomed.
“I was being sarcastic,” said the mother. “I thought a
little humor might lighten things up a bit.”
“I’m not amused,” Mitchell grumbled.
“Fortunately, we’re not here to amuse you,” said the
fat he r.
“Sorry to interrupt you folks again,” the therapist