Most of the story, in fact, focuses on the disproportionate and unexpected response of a father welcoming back a son who left while saying "I wish you were dead

Most of the story, in fact, focuses on the disproportionate and unexpected response of a father welcoming back a son who left while saying "I wish you were dead." The son came back out of desperation and didn't even get his pre-planned speech of apology out of his mouth, he just showed up.