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

since the entire Johnson family knew

"Don't be scared, James."

Johnson family with a silver spoon yet

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

with me around, no one's going to

that, Caroline's temper flared, "Grandma! What are you implying? That I'm hurting

shook her head, 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 it

her face turning

well how much the old lady valued

by the Johnson family because she

the

ss, she hadn't expected

so completely to

just that in the

"What's going on here?"

the commotion,

"Dad!"

stood up straight, the tiny boy trying

His voice quivered, tears threatening

hoping for some

look broke

young, yet already so adept