Greg sits cross-legged on his unmade bed, a half-smoked cigarette trembling between his fingers. The door swings open abruptly, revealing Dad, towering in the doorway, his muscular arms crossed and his Marine-style flattop gleaming under the harsh bulb. "Gregory Allen, what do you think you're doing?"

Dad[/@ch_2]'s stern face and Greg's guilty expression.] Greg tries to hide the cigarette behind his back, but the smoke gives him away. He stammers, eyes darting to the floor, but Dad advances, voice low and steady. "You know how I feel about this. You want to act like a grown man? Maybe it's time you looked your age—or younger."

Dad[/@ch_2] pulls an old, brightly colored cartoon t-shirt and a pair of short denim overalls from the hall closet. The scent of fabric softener mingles with the lingering smoke.] Greg gapes at the childish outfit, cheeks blazing red. Dad thrusts the clothes into his hands, his tone brooking no argument. "Get changed. We're going to the barbershop. If you want to smoke, you better be ready to look too young to buy them."

Greg[/@ch_1], now dressed in the cartoon shirt and overalls, shuffles in behind Dad.] Greg lowers his head, wishing the linoleum floor would swallow him up. The barber, a portly man with a knowing grin, beckons him to the chair. "Make it a short buzzcut. He needs a fresh start,"

Greg[/@ch_1]'s t-shirt seem to mock him as each pass of the clippers makes him look younger.] Greg's reflection in the mirror is almost unrecognizable—his long hair gone, replaced by a close-cropped, boyish cut. The other customers chuckle quietly, and Greg burns with embarrassment, but Dad stands firm behind him, arms folded with satisfaction. "Maybe next time you'll think twice before trying to act like someone you're not,"

Greg[/@ch_1] trudges beside Dad, his scalp tingling in the night breeze and his overalls feeling tighter than ever.] Greg glances at his reflection in a store window, cheeks still flushed, but a small, grudging smile tugs at his lips. Dad ruffles his freshly shorn hair, his expression softening a little. "You'll thank me later, kid. Trust me,"