“That’s the problem,” he snaps. “In physics, if I input the correct variables, I get a precise outcome. But here? I’ve accounted for Emotional Volatility (E), Time Since Transgression (T), Maternal Guilt Factor (M), and Residual Anger (R). But the final variable—S for Stubbornness —keeps breaking the equation.”

“It failed because I assumed people were rational actors. Missy isn’t angry because of a variable. She’s angry because she was scared during the tornado and no one asked her if she was okay. Including me.”

“Mom,” he says quietly. “My MPC model failed.”