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Chapter 9: Surprise Inspection
Jon stepped through the front door of Jay's house, still feeling the slight adrenaline buzz from sparring in the gym. He was about to head upstairs for a shower when he noticed an unfamiliar woman in the living room, sitting stiffly on the couch.
Jay and Gloria sat across from her, both looking vaguely irritated. Manny hovered nearby, unusually quiet.
Jay turned as Jon entered. "Ah, there he is." He gestured toward the woman. "Jon, this is Ms. Reynolds from social services."
Jon blinked. "Social services?"
Ms. Reynolds, a woman in her mid-forties with sharp eyes and a clipboard, stood and gave him a professional smile. "Jonathan Hale, I assume?"
Jon nodded, feeling a flicker of annoyance. "I'm emancipated."
Ms. Reynolds nodded. "Yes, I see that in your file. However, even emancipated minors can be subject to periodic welfare checks, especially when there's a change of address."
Jon exhaled through his nose. Great.
Gloria sat up straighter, clearly trying to suppress a motherly outburst. "But of course! We have nothing to hide!"
Jay muttered, "That's what people who have something to hide usually say."
Gloria elbowed him.
Ms. Reynolds gave a polite but unreadable smile. "I just need to take a quick look around and ask a few questions to make sure Jonathan is in a safe and stable living environment."
Jon sighed but nodded. "Alright. Let's get this over with."
Ms. Reynolds started with the basics—confirming Jon's room, checking if he had personal space, and asking if he felt comfortable in the home.
Jon kept his answers short and polite. "Yes, I have my own room." "Yes, I feel comfortable here." "Yes, I have access to food, water, and electricity."
Jay, arms crossed, grumbled, "What is this, a POW interview?"
Ms. Reynolds ignored him and continued her inspection, checking the kitchen, bathrooms, and even the backyard.
Gloria, determined to prove they were the best possible guardians, kept chiming in with exaggerated enthusiasm.
"Oh, Jon is like family to us! He eats very well! I cook only the healthiest food!"
Manny, eager to help, added, "Yes! Jon gets all his nutrients! He even takes vitamins!"
Jay deadpanned. "Yeah, the kid's practically a lab rat."
Ms. Reynolds made a note on her clipboard.
Jon resisted the urge to sigh.
The real chaos started when Ms. Reynolds asked if Jon had a proper sleeping arrangement.
Gloria gasped. "Of course! His bed is very comfortable! You must see!"
Before Jon could stop her, Gloria dragged Ms. Reynolds upstairs to Jon's room.
Jon followed, dreading whatever was about to happen.
Inside his room, Ms. Reynolds glanced around, taking in the neatly made bed, bookshelves, and workout equipment.
Gloria, eager to show off, rushed forward and yanked back the blankets. "Look! Fresh sheets! Very soft!"
Jon groaned.
Ms. Reynolds gave a slow nod. "That's… good."
Manny chimed in, "Jon also has a very good sleeping posture!"
Jay, standing by the door, pinched the bridge of his nose. "Oh my god."
Jon muttered, "Manny, please stop talking."
Ms. Reynolds took another note on her clipboard.
Back in the living room, Ms. Reynolds asked Jon a few final questions.
"Do you feel safe in this home?"
Jon glanced at Jay, Gloria, and Manny, all looking at him expectantly.
"…Yeah."
Ms. Reynolds nodded. "Do you have any concerns about your well-being here?"
Jon thought about it for a second. "Other than the occasional overenthusiastic bed inspection… no."
Gloria beamed. "See! He loves it here!"
Ms. Reynolds finally put her pen down. "Alright. Everything seems to be in order."
A collective sigh of relief filled the room.
Ms. Reynolds stood. "I appreciate your cooperation. I'll file my report, but as long as nothing changes, I don't anticipate any further check-ins."
Jon escorted her to the door, shaking her hand. "Thanks for stopping by."
She gave him a nod before heading out.
The second the door closed, Gloria dramatically collapsed onto the couch. "Ay Dios mío! That was stressful!"
Manny fanned himself. "I know! What if she didn't like our choice of furniture?"
Jay muttered, "Yeah, because that's what keeps kids from getting taken away."
Jon chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Didn't think I'd be this relieved."
Jay patted his shoulder. "Kid, we weren't worried. You belong here."
Jon felt something warm settle in his chest.
Gloria sat up suddenly. "Jon, tell us about the gym! Did you join?"
Jon nodded. "Yeah. It's a solid place. Good coaches, good fighters. I even met someone who recognized me from last year's Taekwondo finals."
Manny perked up. "Are you going to compete again?"
Jon shrugged. "Not sure yet. Right now, I just want to stay sharp."
Jay nodded approvingly. "Maybe we'll swing by the gym next time, see what kind of place it is."
Gloria clapped her hands. "Yes! I want to see my niño in action!"
Jon smirked. "Alright. But no bed inspections at the gym."
Manny sighed. "I still think that was important."
Jay shook his head. "You are my son."
Laughter filled the house.
Jon realized, for the first time in a long time, he wasn't just living somewhere—he was home.