Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

James might be small, but he sure knows how to make a point.

"Why didn't you come to pick me up with Dad if you're supposed to be my mom?"

Caroline's face fell, clearly displeased but struggling to keep her cool.

She forced a smile, "Well, not before, but James, from now on, I'm going to be your mom."

"Why?" James was confused. "I don't like you. I don't want you to be my mom!"

He stood up, ready to leave.

But Caroline grabbed him, her patience running thin as she stared him down.

"Listen, James! I'm marrying your dad, and that means I'll be your mom!"

James, frightened by her tone, wriggled free, "No! I don't want this!"

And with that, he ran off, bumping straight into Sylvia's arms. Sylvia embraced her little great-grandson, asking, "What's wrong, James?" It was clear the boy was scared.

"James!" Caroline followed, anger written all over her face. Seeing Sylvia, she paused, "Grandma."

"Great-grandma."

James burrowed into Sylvia's embrace, turning his back to Caroline.

couldn't

knew Caroline

"Don't be scared, James."

family with a silver spoon yet

unfairness James had faced, Sylvia

James, with me around, no one's going to hurt

Caroline's temper flared, "Grandma! What are you

troubled. That's not what I meant... It's just James is still so young, only three. He's grown up without much guidance; why hold

stunned, her face turning from red to

how much the old lady valued

family because she

the

ss, she hadn't expected

shift so completely to

outsider would always be just that in the Johnson

"What's going on here?"

the commotion, Francis

"Dad!"

immediately jumped down from Sylvia's hold and stood up straight,

sorry!" His voice

sneakily glanced at Francis, hoping for some sign

look broke

young, yet already