Liam did mention previously that he did not have any friends at school. At that time, Aiden thought that the little boy was shy and needed time to make friends. He did not think that Liam would be bullied or get into a fight with the other children.
"Liam, are you hurt?" Aiden asked once they arrived home.
Liam shook his head.
"What book was it?" Aiden smiled. "Let me take a look at it."
Liam shrank back and shook his head fervently.
"Liam, I just want to take a look..."
Aiden extended his hand, intending to gently tug the book off Liam's hands. Against his expectations, Liam dashed away with his book and slammed his bedroom door behind him.
"..."
Aiden plopped down on the couch, feeling as inadequate as a parent could be in the situation. Was he too busy taking care of other matters that he neglected Liam completely? How did he not know about the situation at school?