"Mam!"He lets go of his gran's hand and runs to Enya.
She crouches down, catches him, and holds him tight."Hi, baby.I missed you."
"Missed you too."He pulls back and looks at her closely."Are you okay now?Gran said you were sad."
"I'm better now.Much better."
"Good."Then his eyes drift past her.Land on me.
He goes very still.Just stares.
I stay where I am.Don't move closer.Don't want to overwhelm him.
Enya straightens, keeping a hand on Warren's shoulder."Warren, this is Devin.He's...he's a friend of mine.A very good friend."
Warren doesn't say anything.He just keeps staring.Assessing.
I crouch down, get on his level."Hi, Warren.It's nice to meet you properly."
Still nothing.
Enya's mam steps inside, closing the door behind her.She looks at me with sharp, assessing eyes.A mother protecting her daughter and grandson.
"You must be Devin," she says.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Mary.Call me Mary."She moves closer.Looks me over.Takes in the fading bruises.The healing cuts."Enya says you've been looking after her."
"Doing my best."
"Hmm."She doesn't sound convinced, but she doesn't sound hostile either.Just careful.
Warren tugs on Enya's hand.Whispers something I can't hear.
She bends down and listens, then straightens."Warren wants to know if you're staying."
The question lands heavy.Because it's not just about today.It's about everything.
I look at Warren."If that's okay with you and your mam.I'd like to stay.Get to know you."
Warren's quiet for a long moment.Then he asks, “Do you have a motorbike?"
The question catches me off guard."Yeah, I do."
"Can I see it?"
I glance at Enya.She nods slightly.
"Sure.It's parked outside.We can look at it together if your mam says it's okay."
"Can we, Mam?"
"After you've had a snack."
Warren nods, satisfied with that answer.His eyes keep drifting back to me.
Curious.Cautious.But not scared.
