The classic bully was actually a victim first. (Tom Hiddleston)

“Scotch died.”

I knew it was coming but that didn’t make the news any better.

“They want you to stay another night but I talked to the doctor and I’m getting you out today. We’ll fly out tonight. Tony is in shambles.”

I shook my head. “You go. I’ll fly out tomorrow.”

“No, if you want to stay another night you can, we’ll go tomorrow morning.”

“Uncle Tony needs you.”

“He has Tommy and Penny. I don’t care about Scotch, you’re my granddaughter.”

“It’s not about Scotch, she’s gone now. It’s about Tony. It’s about my mother and father. They all need you now.”

“You need us. You need your family.”

I waved my hand dismissively. “I got punched in the face.”

He considered this. He was a man and he didn’t understand the horror of the experience. He believed it was just a bruised jaw. He believed I was stronger than I was. He spent the day with me and took the redeye back to Philly.