Strangers

The man sighed begrudgingly, but still led Adriel inside by the elbow. "Christ. What am I, your nanny?"

"No, sorry..." Adriel mumbled.

For some unknown reason, the apology pissed off the man even more. "The hell are you sorry for? Sorry this, sorry that. Quit apologizing. It's getting on my nerves."

Adriel shrank smaller, staring at his bare feet to keep himself from crying. It didn't seem like this man was born with enough nerves to begin with. Why was he even fired up over something like this?

As soon as they stepped into the bright lobby, the warmth hit Adriel like a cup of tea, making him shiver involuntarily. The receptionist looked up, her gaze flitting between the gruff man and the boy.

"This one's got a broken ankle," the man told her, nodding at Adriel. "Found him on the street, mugged."