This is a fistfight between family during Sunday croquet. Great Aunt Mildred pushes your face into blackcurrant pie and stepsister May brandishes two mallets, swinging wildly. White linen shirts splattered with melted caramel and honey-jasmine pastry filling. The manicured lawn torn by leather Lacostes, exposing wet sand and soil. Candied apple projectiles caught up in the ocean breeze. And here’s estranged cousin Rick on his Triumph Bonneville with that look in his eye, jacket collar popped, back from the arm wrestling tournament and recently certified in conflict resolution. This is masterful mediation as he calms the crowd, then nails six wickets straight.
