"Didn't think so but it was a thought," Carmel said, letting that option drop easily. She wasn't a rabid sort who pressed her beliefs on everyone else.
"That is just excusing poor behavior. She's an adult now. Regardless of how she was raised, she can choose not to act like that," Carmel said with a shrug. "Hitting isn't acceptable, especially when you're angry. Even if she doesn't hurt you, she did do damage. Like you said, she could have broken your cheek if she had still had her cast on. And what happens if she gets mad at someone else, like Becka, who can't do anything to defend herself? Or someone bigger, whose temper won't take being hit? Especially if it is over something where maybe the other person is legitimately upset." She gave him a keen look; she considered his being upset over this legitimate indeed. "I don't want anyone here hurt, you, her, or anyone else."