Chapter 16 - The Family Barbecue
The Fourth of July arrived, bringing an annual tradition of a massive backyard barbecue at Sarah's house.
The extended family, including grandparents, aunts, and cousins, filled the sunny backyard with cheerful chatter and laughter.
Red, white, and blue decorations hung proudly from the wooden fence, and the smell of grilled burgers drifted through the summer air.
It was supposed to be a day of joyous celebration and family unity.
For Leo, it was merely an audience for his uncle's endless psychological torment.
Mark was holding a spatula by the grill, playing the role of the charismatic, fun-loving uncle for the guests.
He joked with the grandparents and handed out cold beers to the visiting cousins.
But every time his eyes landed on Leo, a dark, sinister smirk played upon his lips.
Sarah moved gracefully through the crowd, wearing a beautiful purple blouse and white trousers.
She handed out plates of potato salad, but her sharp, observant eyes never left Mark and Leo.
She had intentionally invited the entire family to serve as witnesses for the confrontation she knew was inevitable.
Leo sat quietly on the edge of the large, circular trampoline mat set up in the middle of the grass.
He wore a simple rust-colored t-shirt and denim shorts, trying desperately to blend into the background.
Mark noticed the boy sitting alone and decided it was the perfect time to assert his dominance.
He walked over to the trampoline, a cold beer in one hand and a menacing glare in his eyes.
"Hey, Leo, why don't you get up and actually help out for once in your life?" Mark said loudly, ensuring a few relatives heard him.
"You have been sitting there moping like a spoiled child all afternoon."
Leo scrambled to his feet, his cheeks flushing with deep embarrassment as his cousins looked over.
"I am sorry, Uncle Mark, what do you need me to do?" Leo asked politely, keeping his voice respectful.
"I need you to stop acting like a pathetic burden and make yourself useful," Mark sneered, stepping aggressively onto the edge of the mat.
The cheerful chatter of the barbecue began to slowly die down as the tension in the air became incredibly palpable.
The grandparents frowned, exchanging worried glances as they watched their son corner their grandson.
Sarah stopped pouring a glass of lemonade, her posture stiffening as she watched the trap slowly spring shut.
May you like
She set the pitcher down on the glass table and began to walk purposefully toward the trampoline.
The gathering storm was about to violently break over the sunny backyard.
