“You want it to be your responsibility that I don’t learn tonight?” Ari’s voice was harsh

“I need to change plans tonight,” said Ari, in place of hello.

Dovid’s forehead furrowed. Not that Ari could see. Dovid glanced apologetically at his parents, who were sitting across the round kitchen table from him. His mother, holding out the serving dish of rice expectantly, shared a knowing look with his father that Dovid didn’t miss.

He took the bowl from her and put it down, then pushed his chair out and stepped into the den.

“No prob. Date tonight? I told you I’m happy to learn tomorrow night instead.”

Ari’s voice sounded annoyed. “No, no. My date is at 8:30 tonight.”

“And we learn at nine,” Dovid said patiently.

“Shkoyach.” Ari drew the word out sarcastically. “What I meant is that I want to finish the masechta tonight, and we can do it in like 45 minutes, so I want to reschedule to 7:15 instead.”

Dovid glanced at the Roman numerals on the oversized clock on his mother’s den wall. It was seven o’clock. “I just got home and I’m about to eat. It’s not going to work for me tonight. I’m fine to do another night, though,” he said, calmly and quietly. Years had taught Dovid that while it was great to have an easygoing nature, you couldn’t be anything but direct and clear with Ari. And even then, outcomes were iffy.

“You want it to be your responsibility that I don’t learn tonight?” Ari’s voice was harsh.