Stepping Up

Now I am not one to disrespect my father and, least of all, not in front of his crew, but there is a line, and he is now crossing it. I shall take his advice, but no longer shall he tell me whom I should date. I shall not require his approval, nor shall I seek it. I shall be with whom I ever choose. Tonight is the night that I shall speak my mind and finally stand up to him.

"Father, may I please have a word alone?"

Christian, but can we not have this at home. We need to discuss the details of you taking over."

"Fair, I understand that you need to talk business, but there is one thing I must make clear."

"Okay, let me hear it."

My father sits down next to me and waits patiently for me to speak. I must admit I am trembling like a leaf; I have never stood up to him the way I am about to. He will either knock the shit out of me or, on a very rare occasion, agree with me.

"I will step into your footsteps more than gladly, but what I will not do