Kevin’s eyes softened for a moment. “It’s okay. Grandpa doesn’t mind. How about a hug?”
Dennis shook his head. “No, Grandpa, really. You should go eat. I haven’t eaten yet either, and I need to get back.”
Kevin tried again, not missing a beat. “Then why not bring your breakfast here? We can eat together.”
Dennis shook his head even faster. “No, no, it’s fine. You eat, Grandpa. I’m heading back now.”
Kevin’s brow furrowed hard. “Dennis, you don’t have to be so scared of me. I won’t…”
Before he could finish, Dennis turned and ran out in a flash. The scene was almost the same as before, like he saw Kevin as something terrifying and just wanted to get away, slamming the door as he left.
The truth was, the moment Dennis saw Kevin frown, his heart started pounding. He got scared, worried that if he stayed any longer, he’d get hit again, so he just bolted.
The room went quiet again, and Kevin felt the silence heavy in his chest. There was no denying it. Dennis was scared of him now. He wasn’t the same as before, no longer running to him for comfort at the first sign of trouble, no longer the kid who would act tough everywhere else but turn into a little softie by his side.
Kevin pressed his lips together, staring at the untouched breakfast in front of him. He never meant for Dennis to be afraid. These past few days, Dennis had cried more than he had in years. His eyes were still red and swollen, like he’d been through hell.
And the worst part was, it was all Kevin’s fault, even if he never meant for it to happen. The regret in his heart was impossible to ignore. He picked up the food container and opened it, eating slowly. The food tasted like nothing.
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