Silax's footfalls echoed rhythmically against the wooden stairs, each creak a familiar counterpoint to his ascent. Reaching the landing, he paused, the silence thick after the rhythmic thump of his climb.
Then, a sound. A quiet sniffle, punctuated by a small, choked sob. His's gaze settled on a small figure huddled against the far wall. A young boy, maybe seven, with a mop of unruly brown hair that shadowed tear-streaked cheeks.
The boy cradled something in his lap, his back shaking with each muffled sob. As Silax approached the boy, the object in his lap came into focus.
It was a mangled plastic toy, it scattered pieces lay around the boy. He seemed to have been trying to assemble it, but something had caused him to stop.
Silax cleared his throat, the sound intrusive in the quiet. The boy flinched, tiny shoulders hunching even higher. Tentatively, Silax spoke, his voice soft.
"Hey there. What's wrong?"