''Well?'' Mr. Lewis stepped out of darkness in the living room. Shoulder length hair framed his long face. Anger remained in his dark eyes. He wore tattered clothes and boots. He approached Mrs. Lewis and their son.
''Well? Did you steal lots and lots of pretties?'' Mr. Lewis asked in a somewhat high-pitched tone. He wasn't sure if he liked Wendell and Mrs. Lewis exchanging glances. Perhaps they forgot the consequences if they angered him. His eyes widened as soon as recent pretties were placed in front of him. His body trembled. Hands formed fists.
Worried, Wendell ran behind his mother. He began to tremble for a reason different from his father.
''Don't hide behind your mother, Wendell!''
Tears formed in Wendell's eyes.
''It was difficult to steal lots and lots of pretties,'' Mrs. Lewis said to Mr. Lewis. Her body shook as soon as Mr. Lewis raised his hand. She turned her back and held Wendell. She focused on him. The corner of her mouth went up. ''I'll protect you, Wendell,'' she said.
Wendell never said anything as his mother still held him. Lifted him. Carried him far from Mr. Lewis. Returned to the streets.
Wendell and Mrs. Lewis found themselves in a barren building. They were going to be safe for the evening.
After Wendell was released, he began to rest on the floor. His knees went up. He wrapped his arms around himself. His body shook again. This time from the cold air. The cold air again.
Other arms wrapped around Wendell. *Hm?* His mother tried to make sure he was warm another time. A new smile formed.
''Thanks,'' Wendell said before he fell asleep in his mother's arms.