At Luke’s house, the morning was unusually quiet.
They were seated at the dining table having breakfast when a knock echoed through the house. Luke’s grandmother stood up immediately and went to open the door. When she did, she froze for half a second before forcing a polite smile.
Gerald stood there.
She welcomed him in, stepping aside. Gerald walked into the house with calm authority. Luke looked up—and the moment their eyes met, he didn’t know how to react. His heart raced. Slowly, he stood up.
“Good morning,” Luke said, his voice respectful but guarded.
Gerald nodded. “Good morning, my son.”
An awkward silence followed before Gerald spoke again. “I would like to speak to Luke alone.”
His grandmother hesitated, then nodded. “You may go upstairs. Luke’s room.”
Luke turned and led
