47 Warmth

Just as Korbin motioned to climb back onto the carriage, Daphne caught sight of a child huddling behind a wall. He was tiny, barely the size of the short shrub he stood next to. His golden hair was ruffled from the wind, and he looked like he was too scared or timid to approach the crowd of people. 

Following her gaze, Korbin also caught sight of the young boy. He hopped back off, and Daphne followed him, clinging to the drink tightly in her hands. 

Crouching down, Korbin's expressions were more gentle than Daphne had ever seen. "Little boy, why don't you go ask for a cup?" 

The boy looked down, not responding. 

"Where are your parents?" Daphne knelt down as well. 

"They're..." He hiccuped, his small face flushed. "They're too busy." 

It was easy to tell when a child was lying, and Korbin and Daphne exchanged a questioning look. 

"Do the other kids not like to play with you?"