He didn't know this kid's story, he didn't know what he'd been through. But like any good scientist, he could observe and form a hypothesis.
Here were the facts: he seemed very young, had clearly been starved, and was covered in injuries. Some looked suspiciously like bite marks, violent enough to scar. He was suspicious of help, of even the smallest kindness. Each offer was met with the suspicion of a hidden cost.
Hypothesis: severe neglect and abuse. Possible sexual abuse. White hot rage briefly singed his vision, forcing him to blink and shake his head before returning his gaze to the boy in the sand.
His tone was firm, authoritative. It's the voice he used when teaching at the military academy back home.
"The catch is that this place can be horrible and we have no say in how long we stay here. There are some terrible people who will try to take advantage of you, just like everywhere else. If you meet them, rely on someone you know or trust. The food and clothing is free. You will also be granted a place to live for free, though of course you're also welcome to go anywhere else you like. If someone tells you otherwise, they are lying. Do not trust them, do not pay them whatever they're asking. Talk to someone you know or trust."
His jaw flexed. He swallowed another wave of rage. "Or tell me. I'll punch them in the face. I have no patience for people who take advantage of people for the sake of being cruel."
The mumbled response combined with the step back brought him back, smoothed his expression. He was softer now when he spoke. "Of course I don't have to. I volunteered to greet newcomers and help them get where they need to go. I'm helping you because I want to. That's all."
no subject
Here were the facts: he seemed very young, had clearly been starved, and was covered in injuries. Some looked suspiciously like bite marks, violent enough to scar. He was suspicious of help, of even the smallest kindness. Each offer was met with the suspicion of a hidden cost.
Hypothesis: severe neglect and abuse. Possible sexual abuse. White hot rage briefly singed his vision, forcing him to blink and shake his head before returning his gaze to the boy in the sand.
His tone was firm, authoritative. It's the voice he used when teaching at the military academy back home.
"The catch is that this place can be horrible and we have no say in how long we stay here. There are some terrible people who will try to take advantage of you, just like everywhere else. If you meet them, rely on someone you know or trust. The food and clothing is free. You will also be granted a place to live for free, though of course you're also welcome to go anywhere else you like. If someone tells you otherwise, they are lying. Do not trust them, do not pay them whatever they're asking. Talk to someone you know or trust."
His jaw flexed. He swallowed another wave of rage. "Or tell me. I'll punch them in the face. I have no patience for people who take advantage of people for the sake of being cruel."
The mumbled response combined with the step back brought him back, smoothed his expression. He was softer now when he spoke. "Of course I don't have to. I volunteered to greet newcomers and help them get where they need to go. I'm helping you because I want to. That's all."