Chapter 78

The Joplin residence always felt stifling, like the walls themselves were watching and judging me. Every step closer to the house was accompanied by an invisible weight pressing against my chest. "Grandma," I greeted as I stepped inside. Grandma was as sharp and energetic as ever, her piercing eyes studying me the moment I entered. Her health had only improved in recent years, especially after the birth of Xavier and Jonas. It was like having great-grandchildren had given her a second wind. Her gaze swept over me before she asked coldly, "You came back alone?" "Jonas has been under the weather," I explained. "He's been coughing for a couple of days." Her stern expression softened slightly. "Did you take him to the doctor?" "Of course. It's nothing serious." "What about the other one? Is he sick too?" I knew exactly who she meant, but I didn't answer immediately. "I'm asking you a question, Cole," she said, her tone firm. "Don't mumble like some outsider. Act like a Joplin."