Ivan sat nervously in Father Abel's office. Father Abel was not his usual friendly, welcoming self, but looked at Ivan sternly.
"It appears that young Aaron witnessed a very serious altercation between you and Mrs. Zakhrov three years ago regarding the purchase of your car. I want to hear your side of the story" said Father Abel, his eyes cold and hard.
Ivan swallowed nervously and began:
"It all started around 5 years ago when Aaron was 8. We had discovered his aptitude for programming and his high intelligence and decided to homeschool him.
During one of his sessions with me, Aaron asked me why we didn't have a car and took Uber everywhere.
I told him that I was saving up for a car that I always wanted - a BMW M5, and he offered to work on code projects for me so that I could get it quickly.
That offer, while sweet, also made me sick to my stomach. I explained to him that him working for us to afford something is against the law, and that we grown-ups will take care of it.
He still insisted on working on actual projects, so I told him that he could, but only for two to four hours a day, and for himself - not for us.
At first, I thought that that would be the end of it, but the next day, Annette confronted me about telling Aaron that I always wanted a BMW M5 and was saving for it.
She was quite upset that Aaron had changed his computer wallpaper to a picture of a Jaguar XJ220.
She had forced him to delete it and sternly told me that big, loud and fast cars were impractical, expensive, synonymous with toxic masculinity, and that if I really wanted a car, to buy something more ecologically sound and practical like a Tesla or a Prius."
Ivan paused, took a deep shuddering breath and continued:
"Annette's statements and actions greatly offended me. I assured Aaron that it was alright to like fast cars and that Annette is wrong about them.
He again offered to help me afford it, and that it would be his car too.
I refused, and told him that I can do it myself, and he could do the same for his car for when he turned 16.
It took two years of overtime, but that was totally worth it. I told Aaron to keep what we were doing a secret from Annette, and that the car will be a surprise for her, wrongly believing that she would warm to it.
Once I confirmed the purchase and delivery, I took Aaron to the dealership. He was thrilled!
He loved the sound of the engine, the whistle of the turbochargers, the sleek black look. We were both super excited to go home and see the look on Annette's face."
Ivan paused again, his face a mask of pain. He took a deep breath and resumed:
"As soon as we pulled into the driveway I knew that I had made a terrible mistake. Annette was very quiet during dinner, drinking wine straight out of a bottle.
Fearing that Aaron would come under her fury, I sent him to bed early. I had no idea he hadn't fallen asleep.
The argument was intense. Annette accused me of toxic male behavior. She couldn't believe that I had the gall to go behind her back and buy a sports car.
I tried to explain that the BMW M5 was a car that I always wanted, that a sports car is not a symbol of toxic masculinity and that the BMW M5 was very safe and practical as a family car.
She demanded that I either return or sell the car. I refused and told her that I had worked extremely hard to get it and I deserve it. And that Aaron has already seen the car, loves it, and understands how hard I worked to be able to get it.
To sell it or trade it in now will set a very bad example for him. She became hysterical and said that I was normalizing a self-centered and environmentally irresponsible attitude in Aaron, she got physical and tried to slap me.
I restrained her and told her in anger to never dare try to hit me again. She again demanded that I either sell the car or she would leave and take Aaron with her.
I was shocked and angry that she would destroy our family like this over a car. I agreed, but told her in no uncertain terms that she was no longer my wife, and that I am staying only for Aaron's sake and that I don't love her anymore.
Hearing that, she relented and said the car could stay, but this was the last time she would tolerate toxic male behavior"
Ivan stopped speaking, tears in his eyes.
Father Abel placed a gentle, comforting hand on his. "What happened next?" he asked.
"The next day, Annette was hungover and claimed to have no recollection of the previous night's fight. I decided that we should all go for a drive.
Annette was disapproving and cold as we started, but she screamed in terror when we accelerated on the highway. I took a little pleasure in that to be honest." replied Ivan.
Father Abel sighed wearily. "Have you and Annette discussed your ideological differences?" he asked Ivan
"Yes, there are things we don't see eye to eye on. Cars for one, along with high heels, dress codes, and more risqué outfits.
Annette is a woman of strong convictions. They've gotten even stronger now that they've introduced Diversity Equity and Inclusion training into her school curriculum." replied Ivan with a sigh.
"Alright, those are Annette's beliefs according to you. What about your convictions." asked Father Abel.
"I'm a simple man Father Abel. I believe in God and the Bible. I love my wife and son, and will do anything to keep them happy and safe.
I'll admit that I've become more wary and weary with Annette though, I feel her brand of feminism is skewed towards a potentially unhealthy perspective," said Ivan
"I see. It appears that underestimating each other's convictions is what lead to this argument, and Aaron was caught in the crossfire." said Father Abel.
"What do we do now, Father?" asked Ivan
"Well for now, young Aaron has internalized that argument, and is using that stoicism of his to suppress his desires.
That is not healthy in the long run, however recent events seem to have had a positive effect on him. I don't foresee any lasting consequences," said Father Abel, as Ivan breathed a sigh of relief.