Standstill Bonds

Chapter 27 ~ Priest

A couple of days had passed without much excitement while they awaited Giorno's arrival. Despite the undercurrent of unease that she felt, it wasn't Giorno's delayed appearance that troubled Josephine the 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 now felt like a thick cloud hanging over her.

As she and Jotaro sat in the living room, Josephine told him what was on her mind, though her tone was reluctant, hesitant. "You know," she began, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve, "I haven't heard anything from my parents since we last 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 again, less 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 the smile was weak, a mere shadow. "Maybe," she whispered. But then her eyes flicked up, "I want to go check on them. Just to make sure. I'll be quick. 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 silent. Not that it ever gave off the vibe of a warm, comfortable quiet of a family home, but the cold, unnatural silence made her heart beat faster. 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, her footsteps echoed eerily into the house. Reaching the top, she turned right, finding the first door again to the right of her. She paused outside her father's office, noticing the door was slightly ajar, frowning as she pushed it open.

Her breath caught in her throat. Her father lay sprawled on the floor, unmoving.

"Dad!" Josephine rushed over, dropping to her knees beside him. She shook his shoulder gently, then more urgently, trying 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 echoed from behind her, freezing her blood in her veins. The sound slithered through the air like a serpent, making her skin crawl. 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 presence filled the room with an overwhelming sense of menace, the air around him seeming to darken with his energy.