My Father Mocked Me for Coming to Court Without a Lawyer, But the Judge Opened My File and the Whole Room Went Silent

familial obligations.

And then there was the phrase that made me laugh once, sharply, before I could stop myself.

Conduct unbecoming.

I read that line twice. Then once more, because absurdity sometimes needs repetition to settle into recognition.

“Conduct unbecoming,” I said aloud.

Knox lifted his head.

“It’s fine,” I told him. “We’ve been called worse.”

I continue reading …