[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure] Standstill Bonds

Chapter 27 ~ Priest

A couple of days had passed without much excitement while they awaited Giorno's arrival. There was a deep unease that Josephine felt, though it wasn't Giorno's delayed appearance that troubled her most. What gnawed at her was the growing silence from her parents. She hadn't heard from them since their last conversation, and the lack of communication from them now felt very wrong.

As she and Jotaro sat in the living room, Josephine told him what was on her mind, though her tone was reluctant and hesitant. "You know," she began, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve, "I haven't heard anything from my parents since your mum spoke with them. It's been... too long."

Jotaro glanced at her from the corner of his eye as he leaned back, arms crossed over his chest. "Your old man's probably tangled up in whatever shady business deal he's running. Don't overthink it."

His words were meant to offer reassurance, but they only caused Josephine to sigh. "I know that makes sense... but it's different this time. The first night or two of no contact didn't seem that strange, but now it's been what, 4 days? Something doesn't feel right."

Jotaro shrugged, not flippant but still trying to ease her mind. "Maybe they're finally learning to give you some space."

She tried to smile at that, but it was weak, "Maybe," she whispered. But then her eyes flicked up, "I want to go check on them though, just to make sure. I'll be quick and we can head straight back after... please?"

Jotaro watched her for a moment, despite the tense relationship she had with her parents, it was clear her concern for their well-being went beyond simple obligation. It was a deep, genuine care, because that was who she was. Outside of her rashness was a child that was thoughtful and considerate of others despite her life experiences. With a curt nod, he agreed.

"Fine. I'll go with you."

-

When they arrived at her house, Josephine stood in front of the door for a moment, her key in hand, before glancing back at Jotaro. "You should wait outside," she muttered. "You know they aren't exactly your biggest fans."

Jotaro leaned against the wall beside the door, crossing his arms. "Fine," he grunted. "Just be quick."

Josephine nodded, sliding her key into the lock and pushing the door open. The house was unusually quiet, not that it ever gave off the vibe of a warm family home, but the cold, unnatural silence made her heart beat a little faster than she liked. She stepped inside cautiously.

"Mum? Dad?" she called out, her voice echoing back to her through the hallway. There was no response, only the ongoing silence.

Josephine bit her lip, muttering to herself as she headed towards the stairs, "Mum's probably at work... Dad's likely holed up in his office again, I'll check there."

As she climbed the stairs and reached the top, she turned right, finding the first door again to the right of her. She paused outside her father's office, noticing how the door was slightly ajar, frowning as she pushed it open. Her breath caught in her throat when she was greeted by the sight of her father laying sprawled on the floor, unmoving.

"Dad?!" Josephine rushed over, dropping to her knees beside him. She shook his shoulder gently, then more urgently as she tried to wake him. His breathing was steady but he didn't stir, his face pale and cold to the touch. "Dad! What the hell happened?" she whispered, her voice trembling with panic.

Suddenly, a low, dark chuckle was heard from behind her, freezing the blood in her veins and making her skin crawl as the sound slithered through the air like a serpent. She turned slowly, dread pooling in her stomach. Standing in the doorway, cloaked in a long black cassock robe embroidered with a golden cross, was Pucci, his face unobscured this time.