CHAPTER 69: AUSTIN

Gramps’ house had never looked more daunting. The house I really grew up in and the only home I’ve ever known was now one of the scariest places I’d ever have to face.

Inside this happy place was a box full of demons ready to be unleashed on the world, and that was something I couldn’t think about. I couldn’t think over whether or not it was a good idea for me to be here. I couldn’t decide if this was the right decision for me right here, right now.

I just knew this conversation had to happen. I couldn’t stay locked in my past but I’d never be able to move on if Gramps can’t. I won’t be able to get past it if it was my own damn ignorance keeping him locked in place.

“What you doin’ here in the middle of the week?” Gramps grumbled as I pushed the door open and walked into the house.

“Come to talk to you,” I replied, dropping onto the sofa next to him.

He dragged on his cigar, the smoke swirling, and pierced me with his eyes. “You’ve been sittin’ out there in that pretty boy car for lon