Sharing
Maverick met Caleb' gaze steadily, his voice calm. "Hmm, taking responsibility—that's the right thing to do," he said. He placed his fork and knife down carefully, adding, "But since you've said there are other kids, I'd like you to show me where they are."
At this, Caleb's small frame began to shake, and tears spilled down his cheeks. "I just wanted to get some money to feed them," he choked, his words barely audible. "But I failed on the first try, and now they'll be taken into custody because of me!"
Julius burst into laughter, breaking the tension. "Maverick, your face—you're scaring him!" he teased, nudging Maverick with a grin.
Maverick's ears turned slightly red at the realization, and he cleared his throat, softening his gaze. "Rest assured," Julius continued, giving Caleb a reassuring nod, "he's only trying to help. He's not going to arrest you or the other kids. So stop crying and eat."