Chapter 19 Joshua’s Habit Locker shook her head Mr Joshua rarely calls home , and he hardly ever contacts me ‘ He’s been busy this past year , focusing on preparing for the SATS Wendy frowned . “ When did he start at 27th Street High ? Have Mom or Dad ever gone to visit him ? ” Fraser and the others have been busy too , so no , they haven’t visited . Joshua got into 27th Street High three years ago . Fraser knows , but when she heard it wasn’t a prestigious school , she didn’t care to visit . She sent Leonard to handle his registration , and honestly , I think she just forgot Joshua even goes there now ! ” Mrs. Locker explained . Wendy’s chest tightened . her breath coming quicker . It felt like her heart had been wrenched painfully . After a moment , she asked . Locker , does Joshua … go into Mom’s room a lot ? Or Shirley’s . Maddy’s , or Judy’s rooms ? ” “ He …” Mrs. Locker sighed , nodding slowly . That was exactly why the Frasers had grown to dislike Joshua so much , especially when he snuck into Maggie’s room and slept in her bed – that had infuriated her . Maggie was someone who valued cleanliness and order . She was particular about everything and couldn’t stand it when people touched her things . Joshua’s actions had hit a nerve . “ Did he steal anything ? ” Wendy asked quickly , seeing Mrs. Locker nod . “ I’m not really sure . Locker hesitated for a moment before adding , “ Ms. Wendy , I think you should ask Mr. Joshua or Mrs. Fraser directly . I don’t know much about it . Wendy narrowed her eyes and stared at the older woman . After a brief pause , Mrs. Locker admitted , “ I think Joshua might’ve taken some of Mrs. Fraser’s clothes once . Shirley caught him and made him return them , then told Mrs. As punishment , she made Joshua stand outside for an entire night . Wendy’s eyes widened . She remembered that incident all too well . It happened three years ago . Joshua had snuck into Maggie’s room and stolen her clothes from the closet . Shirley caught him in the act and immediately told their mother . Maggie had been furious – not only had she hit him on the palms , but she also made him stand as punishment and didn’t let him cat . Wendy vividly remembered how Mamrie had tossed the clothing straight into the trach 6:21 pm nПn Chapter 19 Joshua’s Habit afterward . Frowning , Wendy wondered . Did Joshua really steal things ? After thinking for a moment , she turned to Mrs. Locker again . Locker , why do you think Joshua would steal , especially Mom’s clothes ? ” “ I …” Mrs. Locker paused . “ What is it ? Do you know something ? ” Wendy pressed , feeling the weight of Joshua’s troubling behavior . Their mother , Maggie , who was so fastidious and obsessed with cleanliness , would have found his actions absolutely intolerable . It was no wonder she threw the clothes away after retrieving them . Wendy , why are you asking all this ? Mr. Joshua … he might be coming back soon . Locker said , her face showing concern . Wendy looked at her sharply . “ Do you really think so ? ” “ Well … Mr. Joshua doesn’t have much money . Neither Mrs. Fraser nor Mr. Fraser ever gave him any ! Even Mr. Arthur and Ms. Mary never gave him any money when they came for the holidays . Joshua doesn’t have much , so I believe he’ll come back eventually , ” Mrs. Locker explained . Wendy frowned . “ That’s no excuse ! Mom and Dad are furious . If he comes back now , he’s just going to get into more trouble . They’ll probably punish him even worse . Locker fell silent . Wendy kept pushing . “ I remember he stole Mom’s clothes three times and got caught every single time . And now , he’s ruined another dress . Does he really have some … strange habit ? ” A sudden realization hit her – she didn’t know her brother at all . She needed to understand whether he was truly as bad as everyone said . If it was like her sisters claimed , then sure , bad habits needed strict discipline . But if it wasn’t … Wendy couldn’t shake the feeling that something didn’t add up . Why would Joshua steal things ? Why steal Mom’s clothes , of all things ? Locker stared at Wendy quietly , then glanced toward the living room downstairs . After a moment of hesitation , she said , “ Ms. Wendy , if I tell you this , you must promise not to share Chapter 19 Joshua’s Habit 8 Pparts it with anyone , or I’ll be in big trouble .” “ Oh ? What is it ? ” Wendy asked , surprised . Secing the worry in Mrs. Locker’s eyes , she quickly reassured her . “ Don’t worry , Mrs. I won’t tell anyone ! ”