Barrières

Cory: Hey pa!

Troy: Hmm?

Cory: Can I ask you a question?

[pause]

Cory: How come you ain't never liked me?

Troy: Like you? What law is there sayin' I got to like you?

Cory: None.

Troy: All right then. Don't you eat every day? Answer me when I talk to you! Don't you eat every day?

Cory: Yeah...

Troy: As long as you're in my house you put a "Sir" on the end of it when you talk to me.

Cory: Yes, Sir.

Troy: You eat every day?

Cory: Yes, Sir.

Troy: You got a roof over you head?

Cory: Yes, Sir.

Troy: Got clothes on your back?

Cory: Yes, Sir.

Troy: Why you think that is?

Cory: 'Cause of you?

Troy: [chuckles] Hell, I know it's 'cause of me. But why do you think that is?

Cory: 'Cause you like me?

Troy: Like you? I go outta here every morning, I bust my butt 'cause I like you? You're about the biggest fool I ever saw. A man is supposed to take care of his family. You live in my house, feed your belly with my food, put your behind on my bed because you're my son. It's my duty to take care of you, I owe a responsibility to you, I ain't got to like you! Now, I gave everything I got to give you! I gave you your life! Me and your Mama worked out between us and liking your black ass wasn't part of the bargain! Now don't you go through life worrying about whether somebody like you or not! You best be makin' sure that they're doin' right by you! You understand what I'm sayin'?