I listened to the floorboards creaking overhead as I poured myself a large whiskey. Upstairs my daughter was fretfully pacing her bedroom. From my own teenaged years, I knew exactly what was going through her head. Wanting me to come up there and get it over with, wanting the wait to last for ever. ...

"Go to your room, young lady!" My heart sank. At sixteen years old, I knew all too well what those six words meant for me and my bottom. "Mom-" I protested, futiley. "Amanda!" Her voice left no room for argument and I knew from experience that it was dangerous to try. I...