When Catherine compared herself to a commodity, even using the word "sell" to describe her mother's actions, the atmosphere in the room became overwhelmingly oppressive.
Her father glanced at the woman who had been by his side for over twenty years, wanting to say something, but ultimately said nothing, taking on a responsibility he shouldn't have to bear.
There is a saying in Bail Federal — "When you must bow to life, don't hesitate to let your knees and forehead touch the ground."
This might sound overly pessimistic, but life is like that; if you've chosen to compromise, then compromise thoroughly.
As a man who had lost the power to be the pillar of the family, he naturally felt that he was quickly losing control of the family. Faced with the conflict between a new generation of "dominators" and a "rising force" who might change the current situation, he chose silence.
