“Grow up and become heavier; you won’t be able to hold me,” Duncan said. “Okay. Let’s hook up and don’t regret it,” he replied with a smile as he connected with Sonny. At that moment, there was a knock at the door—it was Mrs. Lewis. Concerned that Serenity and the others might struggle to coax Duncan, she had gone upstairs to check on him. Seeing Duncan’s door open brought her a sense of relief.

“Aunt,” Zachary and Serenity greeted Mrs. Lewis as she entered, quickly saying hello. Sonny sweetly called her Grandma Lewis and added, “Grandma Lewis, I got Uncle Duncan to open the door, and I also got him to eat.”

Mrs. Lewis smiled and praised him, saying, “Sonny, you’re amazing! Grandma Lewis is very grateful to you.”

Sonny replied, “You’re welcome, Grandma Lewis.”

As Mrs. Lewis approached, she noticed that Duncan had actually finished his food, which eased her worries. Unable to contain herself, she patted him a few times and scolded, “You said you were old enough to know when to keep your mouth shut. You stay locked in your room all day without eating or drinking. We knock on the door, and you don’t respond. Do you want to scare your parents to death?”

Because of Duncan’s behavior, Mrs. Lewis, who usually maintained her composure, appeared twenty years older, her hair now streaked with gray.

Duncan accepted her reprimand. Once she finished, he said apologetically, “Mom, I’m sorry; it’s your unfilial son causing you worry again.”

Mrs. Lewis replied, “I know you make me worry, so please don’t do that anymore. It’s I who am sorry for you.”

Her voice quivered with tears at the end, as she often felt guilty whenever Duncan acted out.

He wanted Mrs. Lewis to avoid blaming herself, so he quickly said, “Mom, I know I was wrong. I promise I won’t act like this again. Please don’t cry. Sonny is here, and Sonny will make you laugh. Why don’t you take Sonny out for some fun while Zachary and I have a serious talk?” As he spoke, he picked up a tissue and handed it to Mrs. Lewis to help wipe her tears. Then he turned to Sonny and asked, “Sonny, would you like to go out and play with Grandma Lewis for a bit? Uncle Duncan needs to discuss something with your Uncle Zachary.”