In the story, a tense exchange occurs between a mother and her teenage daughter, L. The daughter is frustrated with her mother's strict rules, particularly regarding a tattoo she got without her mother's knowledge and the party she wants to attend. The mother is adamant about maintaining household rules and ensuring her daughter’s safety. She disapproves of the tattoo, calling it inappropriate and accusing her daughter of trying to show off.

The daughter argues that the mother is old-fashioned and unfair, especially when it comes to curfews and household chores. The mother insists on rules, such as being home by 10 p.m. and not wearing revealing clothing to the party, despite the daughter's plea for leniency. The conversation reflects a generational clash, with the daughter feeling restricted by her mother’s traditional values and the mother trying to enforce rules she believes are necessary for her daughter's well-being.

The story ends with the mother seeking advice from her sister, Sloan, feeling conflicted about whether her parenting style is too rigid and how it compares to their own upbringing.