Chapter 2: The Boy Who Didn’t Know How to Stay
The moment Vanessa stepped forward, the homeless boy reacted like a trapped animal.
He stumbled back again.
“I didn’t do it for anything,” he muttered quickly, eyes fixed on the floor. “I don’t need… I don’t need your money or your pity.”
Ethan shook his head. “It’s not pity.”
But the boy was already turning away.
“Wait!” Ethan called out.
A few diners stood up slightly, unsure whether to intervene or just watch.
The boy paused at the restaurant door, rainlight from outside spilling across his thin shoulders. For a brief second, he looked like he wanted to say something—but instead, he pulled his hood up and stepped out into the street.
Vanessa exhaled sharply. “Ethan, sit down. This is not something you chase into the street.”
But Ethan didn’t move.
“I know where he sleeps,” Ethan said quietly.
That shut her up instantly.
“You… what?”
Ethan finally set the plate down on a nearby table. “I looked for him after I got out of the hospital. He doesn’t stay anywhere long. But I found the alley behind the old pharmacy downtown.”
Vanessa’s expression shifted—confusion, then disbelief, then something softer she didn’t want to admit.
“You went looking for him?” she asked.
Ethan nodded. “I had to say thank you.”
May you like
Outside, thunder rolled in the distance.
And without waiting for permission, Ethan walked out into the rain.
