Grandmother looked completely shocked. James stood in the doorway watching, silent but supporting.
An exchanged look was all it took to communicate, and James passed through and followed George into the house and up the stairs.
It was awkwardly silent as they walked down the hall. James could tell George was feeling guilty.
Uncle Jim was the one who'd told him he was becoming grown up. Uncle Jim believed that he could do what he needed to help his mother. But shouting in anger was not something that George did - ever. It wasn't in his character. Had he gone overboard? Had he done something wrong? Should he apologize?
They reached the door to his mother's room, but George hesitated. He turned around, opened his mouth to speak, but Uncle Jim beat him to it. He put a hand on George's shoulder and gave him an approving nod.
"Good man."
George smiled back.