Chapter 88

My mother became quite emotional when she saw me. "Oh, Xavier! You've gotten so thin!" Thin? I didn't feel any different. My father looked me up and down. "He hasn't gotten thin. You must be seeing things. I think he's gotten bigger. "It's good for a man to have a stronger build. Don't be a scrawny, little runt." My lips twitched when I heard that. "That's none of your business." My mother rolled her eyes at him. I picked up that something was off at home. Was it about Uncle Archie again? "Mom, were you fighting with Dad again? What were you fighting about?" I feigned carelessness. My mother didn't bother holding it in this time. She snorted. "About your father. What else? "He just listens to whatever your Uncle Archie tells him. Archie comes to gripe and moan about something, and suddenly, your father gets all hung up on old times." My mother took a few deep breaths before continuing, "This man gets cheated out of his money, then thanks your uncle for it! I have no