Suffocating Motherly Love

My mother was very strict with me. I always believed that hitting me meant she loved me, and scolding me meant she cared.

Until one day, while we were out, a creepy middle-aged man at the next table, who'd failed to strike up a conversation, kept leering at me.

Mom picked up her bowl and chopsticks and slammed them onto the table. "Are you going to let people eat in peace? What's with dressing like that?"

For a moment, I thought Mom was scolding the bare-chested man at the next table, and a wave of warmth washed over me.

But before I could collect myself, Dad wrapped me from head to toe in a long windbreaker.

"Your mother just told you off, and you're still acting like nothing happened? Listen to her, sweetheart."