Sitting at the table, Lisa picked up her meal, her gaze lost. The usual discussion of his family, filled with laughter and lightness, did not reach him tonight. She was constantly reviewing the day with the Jackson: the broken vase, the concern of Joseph, and especially the marks visible on her arms. Her throat sank by thinking about the injuries she had seen without daring to ask her for more details. His parents, noting his discomfort, exchanged a worried look.
> Lisa's father: "Lisa, something is wrong?"
She hesitated, but she knew she couldn't keep it all for her.
> Lisa: "It's about Joseph ... I think there are serious things at home."
His attentive mother gently placed her hand on that of Lisa to encourage her to speak.
> Lisa's mother: "What makes you say, my darling? Joseph told you something?"
Lisa looked down, looking for words.
> Lisa: "Not really ... But today, I noticed traces on his arms, like Blues. When he accidentally broke a vase, he was so panicked, as if he were going to happen Something terrible.
His parents' eyes widen, achieving the gravity of their daughter's words. Lisa’s father nodded, taken from immediate determination.
> Lisa father: "I understand. If Joseph is really in danger, we cannot ignore that. I will see the sheriff right away. He must be aware."
Lisa’s mother gave him a reassuring smile, while gently stroking Lisa's shoulder.
> Lisa mother: "You have done well to talk to us about it, Lisa. We're going to do what it takes to help Joseph."
Lisa felt a slight relief, even if her heart was heavy. She really hoped that they could help Joseph, but a part of her feared that all of this would no longer start anger at Rodrick.His father left the table, put on his coat, and turned to his wife.
> Lisa's father: "I'll be back quickly. I'm going straight to the sheriff's office."
He leaned towards Lisa to give her a kind smile.
> Lisa's father: "We'll make sure everything goes well, okay?"
---
Arriving at the sheriff's house, Lisa's father knocked on the office door, hoping that he would still be there. The door opened, and the sheriff appeared, looking a little surprised.
> Sheriff: “Good evening. What can I do for you?”
> Lisa's father: "I'm coming to talk to you about a serious situation. It's about Rodrick Jackson and his son Joseph."
The sheriff, intrigued, invited Lisa's father in and closed the door. Once seated, he listened attentively as the man explained what his daughter had revealed during dinner.
> Lisa's father: "Lisa is very worried about Joseph. She thinks that his father mistreats him. She saw marks of beatings on his arms. And according to her, Joseph is terrified as soon as he makes the slightest mistake. We must act to ensure he is safe.”
The sheriff frowned, visibly concerned.
> Sheriff: "This is not the first time that people have spoken to me about Rodrick, but until now, no one has dared to talk about violence. If what you say is true, I will have to intervene. I will go see the situation closely, but I want to remain cautious."
> Lisa's father: "I understand, but this is a child in danger. We cannot stand by and do nothing."
The sheriff nodded, standing up to grab his hat and jacket.
> Sheriff: "Let's go. We'll go straight to Rodrick. If there is indeed a problem, I'll make sure Joseph is protected."
Lisa's father felt a little reassured by this support. He followed the sheriff outside, everyone hoping that their intervention would finally put an end to Joseph's suffering.
YOU ARE READING
THE LEGEND OF THE ARACHNID
ПриключенияThe Legend of the Arachnique delves into the epic tale of Grim Williams, a rebellious heir who becomes a legendary outlaw, forming a gang as fearsome as it is united. With his faithful companions, he challenges the Wild West, between daring heists...
