scared

As I was walking down the aisle of books, when a tinkling sound of shattered glass pierced the air, instantly grabbing my attention.

I peeked to find that the boy who was at the counter was trembling as he stood over the broken glass.

I went frowning in concern at his reaction. It looked like it was just one potion bottle he broke.

Then why does he look so scared, I hurried over to the young boy, careful to navigate through the maze of broken glass that now adorned the floor.

As I approached, my eyes softened, taking in the boy's anxious expression. His innocent eyes were wide in fear.

He bent down, his fingers trembling ever so slightly, as he tried to scoop the sharp shards of glass with his bare hands.

I stopped by grabbing his hand just in time.

"What are you doing?" I asked him, "You will get hurt."

Then an older man, with his long white beard and piercing eyes, appeared out of nowhere,

"You clumsy fool! Look at the mess you've made!" he bellowed, his words laced with anger and impatience. The boy's shoulders slumped, as he stuttered an apology which the old man ignored.

So, he is the reason this young boy is so afraid. i burned with anger at the way the old man was treating him.

His sharp gaze fixed on the boy, and a stern frown etched deep lines onto his weathered face. His voice carried an edge of impatience and superiority, as if the world existed solely to serve his desires.

"It was my fault," I interjected. The boy looked up surprised.

The Oldman's eyes narrowed, suspicion and disbelief evident in his expression. Then his eyes narrowed in anger at me, "well you need to pay for that missy," he hissed at me.

I reached into the pockets of my trousers and flicked a gold coin at him. "i think that will cover the cost of that bottle." he looked more than happy to get more money, from a small mistake.

Then his cruel eyes narrowed on the boy, "you! Come with me." he ordered the boy.

As the young man tried to follow him, "no" I said, the boy stopped in his tracks.

"I need him to assist me," I said defiantly looking at the old man.

I will not tolerate him as he mistreats a person while I am in the same space.

Don't worry as I will make sure that he will not do this again even when I am not nearby. "I have many things I want to buy today,"

"Follow me," I said to the boy, who waited there for the Oldman's permission. When he nodded the young boy followed me, I walked as far away from the old man as I can into the shop. So that the boy would calm down a little.

"Thank you," he said, his voice barely heard. I chose to ignore his gratitude as I have not done anything for him.

yet.