Dennis sat there, his hands clenched tightly in his lap. He looked so small and scared, barely daring to glance up at Kevin. “Grandpa..."

Kevin cleared his throat, trying to sound gentle. "What happened with your mom isn't something simple. Do you get what I mean?"

Dennis's head drooped even lower. He twisted his fingers together, shoulders shaking a little as fat tears slipped down his cheeks. He didn't make a sound. He didn't talk back or make a scene. The last couple of days, he'd cried so much his eyes were practically swollen shut.

Kevin's heart softened. He reached out with open arms. “Come here. Let Grandpa give you a hug."

Dennis shot him a careful look. Only when he was sure Kevin wasn't mad did he finally scoot over and let himself be pulled into the embrace.

Kevin rubbed Dennis's back in slow, soothing circles. "I should think about my own actions too. I've been too harsh with you lately, haven't I?"

Dennis nodded hard, his lower lip jutting out in a sad little pout.

Kevin squeezed his shoulder. "Then Grandpa was wrong too. I shouldn't have yelled

at you. I shouldn't have hit you. You must have felt really hurt.”

Dennis nodded again, even more firmly.

"Let me see your hand," Kevin said softly.

Dennis hesitated, half-raising his hand before hiding it behind his back. "It's fine, Grandpa. You don't need to look," he muttered.

Kevin blinked in surprise. "Why not?"

Dennis wriggled out of his arms, head down, voice barely above a whisper. "Auntie already put medicine on it. The doctor said it's going to be okay soon. You really don't need to look..."

Kevin frowned in concern. "Just let me see. Is it still red?"

He reached out to take Dennis's hand.

Dennis flinched so suddenly it was like he'd been burned. He yanked both hands behind him, backing away as if he was afraid Kevin might actually hurt him.

Kevin froze, startled. "Dennis..."

Dennis kept his eyes on the floor. "Grandpa, it's really nothing. I'm

quickly looked away again

fine." e peeked

"Grandpa, I... I should go now..."

He looked up one last time, checking for any sign of anger on Kevin's face. Kevin

just stood there, stunned, not saying a word.

Seeing that, Dennis edged toward the door. "Okay Grandpa, I'll go now..."

Before Kevin could answer, Dennis turned and dashed out. He flung the door open

and yelled out, voice cracking a little, “Auntie!"

The door slammed shut behind him so hard it echoed down the hall.

Kevin just stared at the closed door, his thoughts spinning. After a while, his gaze darkened. Dennis was scared of him, stu, upset enough hide his hand and run away.

Kevin shut his eyes and let out a long, tired breath. His head started

to ache again. He pressed his fingers to his forehead, his brow furrowing in frustration.

Meanwhile, Dennis hurried down the hall, grabbing Amelia by the arm and pulling her into his room.

Amelia stopped him gently. “Dennis, did you apologize to Grandpa?”

Dennis nodded, all seriousness. “I did. Grandpa already forgave me.”

Amelia ruffled his hair, her voice warm. "That's good. That's all that matters."