𝐵𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛⁵

You (age 4) were walking with your dad in the park. You saw a cat, pulled your hand away, and ran across the road. A car managed to stop a meter away from you. Bang Chan, white as a sheet, runs up and grabs you. He grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you. His eyes are wild.

"Are you crazy?! Did you see that car?! Do you realize you could have been crushed?!"

You get scared and start crying.

• Dad, I wanted a cat...

"A skating cat?! Your life for a cat?!"

He squats down and squeezes your hands.

"Look at me. Look when I talk to you!"

You look through tears.

"If you pull your arm out on the road again, I'll tie you to me with a rope. I'm not kidding. No animals, no toys—you're walking right next to me. Understand?!"

• I-I understand.

He stands up. He takes your hand, very firmly.

"Be quiet. Be quiet all the way home. I don't want to hear a sound."

You walk in silence. He doesn't look at you. He just holds your hand so you can't break free.