Plodding cont.

"Clark’s father, however, was not the most remarkable character in the family." I remember the first conversation i had while in their house.

"So," Mr Clark said in his disgusted tone, "you boys off to go exploring, are you?"

"Yes sir" I replied, always polite.

"Well i shall have Reda (their stereotypical housekeeper) make you fellows some lunch to take with you."

"Thank you sir, but I'm sure we will be fine."

"Nonsense, you boys need to eat!" Mr Clark replied, his voice growing more gruff.

"Really sir, we'll be..."

"Oh come now, just take the food."

"Oh don't be so demanding Charles." said a voice from the door, "The boys can handle themselves."

Mrs Clarks power over her husband was absolute. At the sound of her voice, Mr Clark turned and fixed his wife with a cold stare. She met his gaze, two titans clashing together. After a few seconds, Mr Clark's entire body slumped as he gave in to his wife's iron will, and a shiver ran down my spine. Mr Clark was not a weak man, quite the opposite in fact, yet Mrs Clark had just completely overruled him with a simple gaze. Growing up in a family where the father had most of the power, this was just about the strangest thing i had ever seen.

This was the first of many such incidents. Although very different, each one ended the same way, Mrs Clark triumphing, while her husband skulled away. Unfortunately, people who are bullied by one person have a tendency to take out their frustration on another person, frequently someone who lacked the self confidence to stand up for their-self. A person such as Clark.