There were twelve of them in the Olive Garden restaurant dinner party. Most were family members and were there to celebrate Phil Madden’s graduation from the state of Georgia’s higher ed flagship.

Phil’s dad rose from the table and held his wine glass high for the toast.

“To my dear son Phil, of whom I am so proud,” he sang out.

The others applauded and cheered. Two of them made additional toasts before the glasses clinked.

A polite Phil sat on one side of his dad while his mom sat on the other. Karen, Phil’s brother Marty’s fiancée, knew that Phil and his mom almost never sat next to each other.

The red wine, appetizers and ‘entrees’ had been great as well as the jokes and teasing.

After the main course dishes had been removed, Phil’s mom signaled that she had something to say.

“I suggest we each order a very special dessert to honor my newly-graduated son even further. Just think, he’s now an ‘educated’ fool,” she said.

The sound of silence.