I'd like to know why they all cowered so easily.

I understand the need for a dramatic turn, especially in a piece such as this. But what was with Michael and his stupid "game"? It's not like they had a gun at their heads. In my circles, everyone would've given him a good healthy "fuck you" and walked out the door at the sign of the first condescending glare of his. Truth is, I've never even known a Michael and certainly would never lower myself to remain in his circles if I did. Who really screeches like that to the people he calls friend? And more importantly, who in the hell LETS them?