"Quiet down." Ace cleared his throat and declared, "I have good news."
Everyone turned to glare at him.
Timothy, in particular, seemed unsatisfied and irritated every time he saw Ace. "Are you even capable of giving me good news? It's most likely horrible news!"
Susan had the same annoyed expression on her face as she waved her hand dismissively. "Your grandfather and the grandchildren dislike you. Joanna dislikes you as well. Why don't you go into your room and wait there so you don't spoil our mood?"
"What do you have to say?" Alexander urged him frustratedly. "Make it quick. I'm too busy peeling walnuts for my grandkids to squander my time." He fed a peeled walnut to Adie and then to Abby as he talked, then told them gently, "Adie and Abby, you should eat more walnuts to keep your brain healthy. Don't be like your stupid father, who does things without thinking."