Marcus looked up at the man. "Mister.....where's my momma? I want my momma....." he said suddenly, his throat tight as he suddenly started to cry.

"She ain't gonna hurt you no more, Marcus. Not no more." he said softly, putting his hand on the boy's head. "BUT I WANT MY MOMMA!" Marcus wailed, his little fists tightening. "SHE DIDN'T MEAN TO HURT ME, SHE DIDN'T! SHE DIDN'T, SHE DIDN'T, SHE DIDN'T!" Marcus screamed. His wails and sobs and screaming filled the whole room, breaking the man's heart in half.

"S'okay, boy. S'okay..." the man said soothingly, holding the boy back. Marcus wailed a bit longer, finally ceasing as he fell asleep.