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

family knew Caroline

"Don't be scared, James."

boy who was born into the Johnson family with a silver spoon yet ended

the hardships and unfairness James had faced, Sylvia wished she could do more to

James, with me around,

What are you implying? That

not what I meant... It's just James is still so young, only three. He's grown up without

stunned, her face

the old lady valued

Johnson family because she

the

ss, she hadn't expected

so

outsider would always be just that in the Johnson

"What's going on here?"

commotion, Francis

"Dad!"

stood up straight, the tiny boy trying

sorry!" His voice quivered, tears threatening

at Francis, hoping for some sign of

broke Francis'

young, yet already so