Chapter 5 Hit in The Head He had once been an orphan, and now he juggled part-time work, living alone with ease. After pulling out a pen and some paper, he busied himself for a while in his room, jotting down notes and tidying up before finally heading to the Fraser Residence. Joshua, youre finally back! Sneaking out to have fun, were you? When Joshua stepped through the door, he found the living room filled with people. His parents, along with Shirley and Maddy, were all present, and a housemaid named Katherine Locker was mopping the floor nearby. Welcome back, Mr. Joshua! Katherine greeted him with a warm smile. Joshua nodded in acknowledgment and made his way toward his room. Joshua, stop right there! What kind of attitude is that? David suddenly barked, noticing Joshuas disregard for the others. Im going to my room first. We can talk later! Joshua replied curtly. Talk about what? What do you even have to say? Why cant you change your ways? Ignoring Shirley and Maddy, what does that mean? Wheres your upbringing and courtesy? David scolded, his voice rising. A slow smile crept across Joshuas face, but he remained silent, continuing toward his room. Joshua, are you even listening? Are you rebelling? Do you think you can just ignore me? David roared, his anger boiling over as he grabbed a nearby ruler and prepared to lash at him. Upon seeing his father charging forward, Joshua furrowed his brow and attempted to dodge, but his foot slipped, sending him crashing to the ground. Joshua! Katherine exclaimed in shock. Dont worry about it! Joshua said, bracing himself against the table as he stood up, waving his hand dismissively at Katherine. David had been taken aback when Joshua fell to the ground, but seeing him rise again, his initial shock quickly morphed into anger. Without hesitation, he swung the ruler at Joshua once more. This time, Joshua had just regained his footing and found himself unable to dodge the blow. The ruler struck his head with a sickening crack. Blood erupted from the wound, splattering across the floor. Ah! Katherine gasped, her eyes wide in shock. Joshua felt a sharp pain radiating from his scalp. He instinctively reached up, and his fingers were stained with bright red blood. David, along with Shirley and Maddy, stared in disbelief. They hadnt expected that the strike would draw blood. Yet, in this moment of chaos, Joshua remained unnervingly calm. He furrowed his brow at David, his voice steady and cold. If you do that again, I swear Ill fight back. I mean it. David, stunned by the sight of his son bleeding and the unfamiliar look on his face, faltered. You… he stammered, taken aback by Joshuas defiance. Locker! Get some bandages! Call 999! he barked, urgency creeping into his tone as he furrowed his brows. Stop pretending to care! Joshua retorted coolly, brushing off his fathers concern. Without another word, he turned on his heel and marched towards his room. Joshua, where do you think youre going? Are you trying to drive me mad? David shouted after him, his frustration mounting. Ive already called for an ambulance! Katherine chimed in, trying to keep up with the escalating tension. Quick, bring him the bandages! This brat is pushing me to my limits! Davids voice rose in fury as he watched Joshua walk away, his anger boiling over at Joshuas continued defiance. What happened? At that moment, Maggie and Frankie returned. Mom, Joshua is bleeding! Dad wanted to teach him a lesson, but he ran back to his room! Maddy exclaimed. Bleeding? Is he okay? Maggie asked, surprise flickering across her face, though there was little trace of worry in her demeanor. Hes fine! Mrs. Locker has already called an ambulance! Maddy added quickly, a frown crossing her face as she thought about how strangely Joshua had been acting just moments earlier. Earlier, Joshua had seemed distant and unresponsive, even when he had been injured. Frankie chimed in. Dad, Mom, dont blame Joshua! He just doesnt know how to behave properly. He should have been out eating by now! Once he comes out, everything will be fine! Hearing this, Maggies heart swelled with affection for Frankie. She gently ruffled his hair and smiled. Frankie is such a sensible boy! You must help your brother learn better manners, alright? If he does something wrong, you need to speak up! He has so many faults that he needs to improve! Frankie felt a surge of pride at his mothers words and replied obediently, Yes, Mom! Ill make sure to get along with my brother from now on! Good boy! She beamed at him, her heart swelling with love. But after a long time, Joshua still hadnt emerged from his room, and David, along with Maddy and the others, began to fume with anger. He marched over to the door and knocked firmly, his voice rising with frustration. Joshua, open the door! Just a minute! came Joshuas voice from inside.