Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Jonathan carried the dustpan outside, filled with the shards of the broken mug. He shoved the glass fragments into the trash with an angry sigh. But as he straightened up, ready to stomp back inside, he froze. There, standing by the gate, was Laura. Her arms are crossed over her chest while her face is set in an expression of clear disdain.

Her presence startled him for a second, but then he quickly reverted to his usual defensiveness. Before he could say anything, Laura spoke in her sharp voice. "I do not understand why you're being so rude to your brother and me. What's gotten into you?"

Jonathan let out a frustrated groan, turning his back on her to return to his task. He wasn't in the mood for this. Not now. Not after everything. He didn't look at her as he answered, his tone colder than he intended.

"Why are you talking to me? We aren't friends anymore."

Laura visibly flinched at his words as her arms dropped to her sides, and for a moment, she looked completely lost.