“You…”

“You what? The ugly part’s still coming!” The older woman didn’t give Joy a chance to speak. “You didn’t just magically grow up overnight. When you were a kid, you never had a phase where even dogs would’ve wanted nothing to do with you? Look at how vicious and bitter you are—this didn’t form in a day. The child is father to the man. If I were your parents, I would’ve tossed you out a long time ago and let you fend for ...