I even gave him a spare key. With Mom recovering under my roof, it seemed practical to have another member of the family who could get inside quickly if something happened.
I remember feeling grateful.
Then I began noticing something strange.
Tyler had started following him.
If Jason went upstairs, Tyler followed him upstairs.
If Jason sat beside Mom’s bed, Tyler suddenly needed to show Grandma a drawing.
If Jason offered to stay with her while I ran errands, Tyler suddenly stopped wanting to come with me.
At first, I thought he was simply being possessive.
Then one Saturday, Jason started upstairs carrying a cup of Mom’s tea.
Tyler immediately stood up.
Jason stopped halfway up the stairs.
“You coming too?”
Tyler nodded.
Jason laughed.
“What’s with you, little bodyguard?”
He reached over and ruffled Tyler’s hair.
Tyler didn’t smile.
That bothered me.
But instead of stopping to ask myself why, I got irritated.
