>> I am feeling better, and am able to read this now. I like it very much. <<

I'm happy to hear that.

>> I think the thing that disturbed me the most was the silent treatment Flip's mother was giving him. <<

Well, yes. That was upsetting. It left a lasting mark on him. It's also a good example of what can happen when reasonable adults are pushed past their resources -- they wind up taking damage and doing harm, even if they manage to avoid the more overt things like hitting.